A Cross-Cultural Spectacle Hits Manchester In 2025
If you haven’t heard of Aditya Chopra’s iconic Hindi-language film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge—often lovingly dubbed “DDLJ”—prepare for a crash course in cultural phenomenon. Released in 1995, DDLJ took Indian cinema by storm and has never really stopped. In fact, it holds the extraordinary title of being the longest-running film in Indian cinema history, still playing daily in a Mumbai theatre even as it approaches its 30th anniversary. For those uninitiated, imagine a romantic epic that resonates across generations and captures the essence of young love, family ties, and the bridging of cultural divides.
Now, that same story—reinvented as COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL—is poised to make its UK debut at Manchester’s Opera House from 29 May to 21 June 2025. Tickets are already flying off the virtual shelves, and if the buzz is any indication, this production could well prove to be the hottest ticket in town.
A Show to See
Let’s face it: musicals adapted from beloved films can go one of two ways. Either they become a shining extension of the original, or they fall flat in comparison. With COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL, everything points to the former. Aditya Chopra, the original director of the 1995 film, is at the helm, ensuring that the stage version remains faithful to the spirit of DDLJ while introducing fresh twists that reflect a modern, global audience.
The narrative now unfolds in the UK, spotlighting Jena Pandya as Simran, a British Indian woman who finds herself torn between an arranged marriage to a family friend in India and an unexpected romance with the charming Brit, Roger—played by Ashley Day. This shift in setting creates an even richer tapestry of cross-cultural discovery. According to Pandya, the original DDLJ is “a part of the cultural fabric of India,” and she hopes this stage iteration will transmit that sense of inclusivity and celebration to audiences worldwide. Day, on the other hand, loves how the show demonstrates two cultures “staying true to their roots while embracing something bigger than themselves.” His perspective as a Brit falling head over heels for a vibrant, tradition-bound Indian family promises humour, heart, and perhaps the odd bit of culture-shock chaos that will keep the audience in stitches.
Creative Genius
A truly remarkable musical demands not just a powerhouse cast and an engaging story, but also a first-rate creative team—and this one is positively brimming with talent. The original score, comprising 18 all-new songs, comes courtesy of Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani. If you’re not familiar with their work, they’re a celebrated composer duo in Bollywood, known for hits that blend modern pop and rock with Indian classical motifs. Meanwhile, the book and lyrics are in the hands of Nell Benjamin, whose writing credits include Mean Girls and Legally Blonde. That means audiences can expect witty storytelling, razor-sharp lyrics, and infectious melodies bursting from the stage.
Choreography is entrusted to Rob Ashford, whose dazzling dance sequences have graced productions like Disney’s Frozen, while co-choreographer Shruti Merchant (famed for her work on Taj Express) adds her own flair of Indian dance forms. This synthesis of Western and South Asian movement styles is exactly the kind of innovative fusion that catapulted the original film to iconic status. The show’s visual spectacle will be conjured by scenic designer Derek McLane, known for Moulin Rouge! The Musical, with lighting by Japhy Weideman and sound design by Tony Gayle. Then there’s video designer Akhila Krishnan, musical supervisor and arranger Ted Arthur, and musical director Ben Holder—a formidable roster that should reassure any sceptic about the quality of production. For good measure, the casting has been managed by David Grindrod at Grindrod Burton Casting, working closely with Yash Raj Films, the powerhouse studio behind DDLJ itself.
A Fresh Take on Cultural Fusion
One fascinating angle that often gets overlooked is how seamlessly Bollywood and Western theatre can intersect. While DDLJ was unapologetically Bollywood—full of colour, extended families, and grand gestures—it also had a decidedly international edge, with its storyline partially set in Europe. The musical adaptation doubles down on that transnational focus. By placing Simran’s narrative in the UK from the get-go, the production highlights how second- and third-generation British Indians navigate a cultural mosaic that includes both Indian traditions and Western liberalism. It’s a real reflection of the diaspora experience—something that resonates not just with audiences of Indian heritage, but also with anyone who’s found themselves straddling two cultural identities.
When you think about the global success of musicals like The Lion King or Miss Saigon, it’s evident that theatre-lovers crave stories that transcend borders. COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL promises precisely that. For those who grew up with Bollywood songs swirling in the background of family gatherings, it’s a chance to see that nostalgic tapestry reimagined. For newcomers, the show is an invitation to explore a different cultural viewpoint and soak in a kaleidoscope of music, dance, and romance—all wrapped in a thoroughly accessible package that never compromises on authenticity.
Lessons from Across the Pond
Before heading to the UK, an American version of the show was staged in San Diego back in 2022. While specifics from those performances haven’t been widely shared, it’s worth noting that early audiences in the States were enchanted by the energy, vibrancy, and heartfelt storytelling. Word got around that the production managed to win fans who had never even heard of DDLJ, suggesting that the musical’s blend of humour, love, and uplifting tunes transcended cultural boundaries.
Drawing on feedback from that experience, the creative team is now refining the show for its British run. If you’re the type who keeps score, many musicals that eventually land in London’s West End or on Broadway spend time in smaller or regional venues to perfect every detail, from orchestrations to staging. This approach has produced numerous hits in the past—and given the calibre of the people involved, it’s safe to assume the Manchester iteration will be a polished, high-quality affair.
Rehearsal Revelations
Though exact rehearsal details are, of course, kept under wraps, a friend of mine who’s danced in touring productions of Bollywood-inspired shows whispers that the vibe on set is part wedding party, part theatre workshop. The reason? When you have choreographers like Rob Ashford and Shruti Merchant working side by side, you’re guaranteed an environment that blends precise stagecraft with spontaneous creative energy. Dancers and actors come into rehearsal not just to learn steps or lines, but to immerse themselves in the vibrant mashup of genres. And yes, I’ve heard there’s a lot of laughter, too—a reflection of the comedic flair woven into the script.
While it’s easy to get starry-eyed about the big production numbers, I’m told the real magic is in the intimate scenes that explore family relationships and the tug-of-war between tradition and independence. Expect quieter moments that give you a breather from the razzmatazz, only to build toward another show-stopping sequence. This ebb and flow is part of what made the original film so engaging—you’d swoon over the romance, roar with laughter at the comedic bits, and then find yourself lost in an emotional father-daughter conversation.
Your Invitation To Fall In Love
The brilliance of this musical lies in its ability to connect with audiences from seemingly different worlds. Whether you can recite every dialogue from DDLJ by heart, or you’ve never seen a Bollywood film in your life, COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL promises an escape into a universe where music, dance, and a desire for love without boundaries take centre stage. It’s a testament to how stories born in one cultural context can evolve, adapt, and resonate in another—reminding us that, at heart, we all respond to tales of family, aspiration, and a dash of star-crossed romance.
When the lights dim and the opening chords of the first song fill the theatre, you might feel that same tingling sensation I once felt years ago, huddled in front of a TV, enthralled by a Bollywood classic I could scarcely understand linguistically—but grasped with every fibre of my being emotionally. After all, good theatre transcends language or place. It’s about the spark that lights up your soul. And in the case of COME FALL IN LOVE – THE DDLJ MUSICAL, I have every confidence that spark will blaze into a wonderful, unforgettable experience.
So, if you happen to be in Manchester—or can devise any excuse to get there—do yourself a favour and secure a seat. Because this isn’t just a show; it’s an invitation to rediscover what it feels like to believe, wholeheartedly, in the kind of love that can make you change your plans, your life, or even your very idea of who you are.
Trust me: your heart will thank you.
