The magic of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) continues to live on, and this time, it’s taking to the stage in the form of a musical. Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical is a reimagined stage version of the iconic film, and ahead of its highly anticipated premiere, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan recently met the lead actors, Jena Pandya and Ashley Day, who portray the iconic roles of Simran and Raj, respectively.
Shah Rukh Khan Meets the New Faces of Raj and Simran
In a heartwarming gesture, Shah Rukh Khan visited the London rehearsal space for the musical, just ahead of its premiere in the UK. The actor, who became synonymous with the role of Raj in the 1995 film, shared a special moment with the cast and crew, posing for pictures and offering his support for the project. His visit was a delightful surprise for the team, and the pictures shared on the musical’s official Instagram show the joy and excitement on everyone’s faces.
Jena Pandya, who takes on the role of Simran, expressed her awe at meeting the legendary Shah Rukh Khan. “Meeting Shah Rukh Khan and having him in the rehearsal room was such an honour,” she said. “Being able to show him some of the iconic scenes was an incredible feeling, and it will be a long-lasting memory for me.” Pandya, stepping into the shoes of the beloved character originally portrayed by Kajol, is eager to bring this iconic love story to life on stage in a new and unique way.
Ashley Day Reflects on the Emotional Moment
Ashley Day, who plays Raj’s reimagined counterpart, Roger, also shared his excitement about the encounter with the star. “When he arrived in our rehearsal room, it was a moment that quietly landed on all of us. He greeted us with such love and excitement about what we’ve been building,” Day remarked. The actor, who plays the lead male role, couldn’t help but feel the weight of reprising a character beloved by millions, saying he couldn’t imagine what it must feel like for Shah Rukh to see the project reimagined 30 years later.
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A Fresh Take on the Classic Love Story
Directed by Aditya Chopra, who helmed the original film, Come Fall In Love reinterprets the cross-cultural love story of Raj and Simran in the context of the UK and India. The musical retains the heart of the film while offering a modern twist. The production features an all-new English score composed by Vishal and Shekhar, continuing the legacy of memorable music set by Jatin-Lalit in the original film.
The musical promises to bring the familiar charm of DDLJ to a new generation of fans, while staying true to the themes of love, family, and tradition. The cast also includes talented performers such as Irvine Iqbal, Kara Lane, Harveen Mann-Neary, Amonik Melaco, Millie O’Connel, Ankur Sabharwal, Kinshuk Sen, and Russel Wilcox, all of whom contribute to the fresh take on this iconic story.
The Wait is Almost Over: The Musical Premieres in Manchester
Fans of DDLJ and theatre enthusiasts alike can mark their calendars for the much-anticipated premiere of Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical at the Manchester Opera House on May 29, 2025. With Shah Rukh Khan’s stamp of approval and the passionate efforts of the cast and crew, this musical promises to be an unforgettable tribute to one of Bollywood’s most cherished love stories.