Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 14: Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan delighted the cast and crew of Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical with an unexpected visit to their London rehearsal space, offering his support and reliving moments from the film that made him a global sensation.
Jena Pandya, who plays Simran in the musical, was visibly moved. “Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour,” she said. “To perform scenes he and Kajol made iconic in front of him was surreal. It’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.”
The musical, adapted from the 1995 classic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), reimagines the timeless love story for a global audience. Directed by the film’s original director Aditya Chopra, the stage production premieres at the Manchester Opera House from May 29 to June 21.
Ashley Day, who stars as Rog—a reinterpretation of Raj—described SRK’s visit as “a moment that quietly landed on all of us—special in a way that didn’t need words.” He added, “He watched us with genuine excitement. When Raj met Rog, it felt like a passing of the torch.”
Music composers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, who are helming the score, shared the cast’s elation. Vishal said, “Having Shah Rukh visit was an amazingly positive experience. He loved the songs and performances—his energy lit up the room.”
Sheykhar echoed the sentiment, highlighting Khan’s deep connection with theatre. “The original ‘Raj’ meeting the musical's ensemble was magical. Theatre is where SRK’s journey began, and you could feel his passion in every interaction.”
SRK’s visit was more than just a cameo. He engaged with the full company, shared stories from his own theatre roots, and expressed his joy at seeing DDLJ come to life on a new platform three decades after it first hit screens.
The production’s creative team includes award-winning talent such as Nell Benjamin (book and lyrics), Rob Ashford (choreography), Shruti Merchant (Indian dance co-choreography), and a host of renowned designers and music directors. The musical blends East and West with performances that promise to rekindle the romance for old fans while captivating new audiences.
As the countdown to opening night begins, Shah Rukh Khan’s surprise visit has given the cast a fresh surge of inspiration—and a story they’ll tell for the rest of their lives.