Starmer, accompanied by a delegation of UK film industry leaders, met with prominent Indian producers. Yash Raj Films confirmed its commitment to filming major productions in the UK from early 2026, expecting to create over 3,000 jobs and contribute millions to the UK economy. YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani noted the significance of the announcement coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the iconic film “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” (DDLJ), a film deeply symbolic of the UK-India relationship. He also mentioned YRF’s ongoing stage adaptation of DDLJ in the UK.
The UK film industry is a substantial economic contributor, generating £12 billion annually and supporting 90,000 jobs. Its appeal to international filmmakers stems from its advanced studio infrastructure and iconic filming locations. Past Indian productions filmed in the UK, such as the globally successful ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, have demonstrated the strong economic returns possible through the synergy of British technical expertise and Indian storytelling.
British Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the strong cultural ties and the mutual benefits of collaboration, stating that “partnerships between Bollywood and British studios make complete sense.” To further support this, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the British Film Institute and the National Film Development Corporation of India will be signed, aiming to boost co-production and resource sharing.
BFI Chief Executive Ben Roberts welcomed the enhanced cooperation, highlighting the shared passion for filmmaking and the potential for growth, cultural diversity, and expanded audiences. Andrew M Smith, Corporate Affairs Director at Pinewood Group, and Producers Guild of India President Shibasish Sarkar also expressed optimism about deepening ties and leveraging the UK’s popular filming destinations for Indian cinema’s future ventures.