In a heartwarming and nostalgic gesture, Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan recently paid a surprise visit to the rehearsals of Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, directed by Aditya Chopra, in London. The musical, inspired by the legendary 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), marks a grand reimagining of one of Indian cinema’s most iconic love stories for an international audience. And who better to uplift the spirits of the cast and crew than the man who embodied the role of Raj Malhotra himself?
Shah Rukh Khan, who played the unforgettable Raj in the original film opposite Kajol’s Simran, reportedly took time out of his schedule in the UK to drop in on the musical’s team as they prepared for its upcoming stage run. The surprise visit was filled with cheer, emotion, and a sense of nostalgia that left everyone present feeling inspired and honoured.
According to sources close to the production, SRK’s appearance was completely unannounced. When he walked into the rehearsal space, the cast and crew were stunned before erupting into applause and excitement. For many of the performers—some of whom grew up watching DDLJ or were introduced to it later—meeting Shah Rukh Khan in person was a dream come true. His presence brought with it not only star power but also the magic and legacy of a film that has transcended generations and continents.
Taking a few moments to interact with the actors and creative team, Shah Rukh shared words of encouragement and reflected on the enduring legacy of DDLJ. “It’s overwhelming to see how this story has continued to live in the hearts of people around the world,” he reportedly said. “I never imagined when we made Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge that one day it would become a stage musical for a global audience. But love has no language or boundaries—and this story is proof of that.”
Directed by Aditya Chopra, the musical adaptation of DDLJ—retitled Come Fall In Love for Western audiences—has been a passion project aimed at introducing the timeless tale of love, self-discovery, and cultural identity to a new generation. Featuring a diverse cast, new musical compositions, and dynamic choreography, the production reinterprets the classic romance for the stage, while staying true to its emotional core.
Chopra, who has rarely stepped into the public eye, is said to be deeply committed to ensuring the musical resonates both with nostalgic fans and those experiencing the story for the first time. Shah Rukh’s visit reportedly moved him as well, as it brought the journey full circle—from a film that defined modern Indian romance to a Broadway-caliber production that aims to globalize Indian storytelling.
Several cast members later took to social media to share their excitement, posting photos and heartfelt messages about meeting Shah Rukh Khan. One performer wrote, “Meeting the original Raj was surreal. His warmth, humility, and charm were just as powerful in person as they are on screen.” Another post read, “He didn’t just bring encouragement—he brought magic.”
Fans of the film across the globe also celebrated the moment online, flooding platforms with throwbacks to DDLJ and expressing their excitement about the upcoming musical. For many, Shah Rukh’s visit symbolized a bridge between Bollywood’s golden era and its evolving global presence in the performing arts world.
As Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical inches closer to its premiere, Shah Rukh Khan’s visit has only heightened anticipation. His blessing, so to speak, has reaffirmed the importance of the story and its timeless relevance in a world hungry for narratives that speak of love, family, and identity in a meaningful way.
In true Shah Rukh style, he left with a message that perfectly captured the spirit of DDLJ: “Never stop believing in love. That’s the heart of it all.” And just like that, Raj Malhotra left the rehearsal hall, but the feeling he left behind will surely linger until curtain call—and long after.
