It was an unusual day at Mumbai’s Yash Raj Films (YRF) Studios, which often sees Bollywood’s biggest names walk through its gates. On Wednesday, the Andheri-based studio welcomed an unexpected yet high-profile visitor United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The British leader arrived under heavy security and was hosted by actor Rani Mukerji and YRF CEO Akshay Widhani.
According to the British High Commission, Starmer’s visit to one of India’s most influential production hubs was aimed at strengthening cultural ties and exploring creative collaborations between the British and Indian film industries. The visit is being seen as a step toward fostering joint film projects and cultural exchange programmes between the two nations.
Inside the studio, Rani Mukerji, dressed in a bright yellow salwar suit, received the Prime Minister and engaged him in a lively discussion about cinema. Photos from the visit showed them surrounded by posters of YRF’s iconic films, while Starmer was also seen trying his hand at an editing console before watching a presentation in the studio’s auditorium.
Founded by the late Yash Chopra and now helmed by Aditya Chopra, YRF Studios has delivered some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters, from Bunty Aur Babli to Pathaan. Later in the day, Starmer was also scheduled to attend a football showcase event organised by the English Premier League at Mumbai’s Cooperage Ground.