The lead cast for Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical has been revealed, and excitement is building for the stage adaptation of the iconic 1995 Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), one of the longest-running films in Indian cinema. Directed by Aditya Chopra, who also helmed the original film, this musical promises a fresh take on the story, now set in the UK.
The musical will follow Simran, a British-Indian woman caught in an arranged marriage, who falls in love with Roger, a British man, complicating her future. Jena Pandya takes on the role of Simran, while Ashley Day will portray Roger. Pandya, who recently starred in Bhangra Nation, expressed how special it is to portray a character with such cultural significance. Day, known for his roles in Dynasty and An American in Paris, shared his love for the musical’s style of blending two distinct cultures while celebrating both.
The production promises a fresh and lively experience with 18 original songs, created by Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, and a script by Nell Benjamin, the writer behind Mean Girls and Legally Blonde. The show’s choreography will be led by Rob Ashford, renowned for his work on Frozen, with Indian dance specialist Shruti Merchant collaborating on the moves.
The musical’s creative team is packed with talent, including scenic designer Derek McLane, lighting designer Japhy Weideman, and sound designer Tony Gayle, among others. Come Fall in Love is set to premiere at Manchester's Opera House on May 29, 2025, and will run until June 21, promising a mix of romance, humour, and cultural fusion that fans of the original film and new audiences will surely love.
DDLJ has been a cultural phenomenon since its release, playing continuously in Mumbai for nearly three decades. Come Fall in Love aims to capture the essence of the original while reimagining it for a global audience. With its fresh stellar cast, innovative music, and cross-cultural storytelling, the musical is set to be a celebration of love, tradition, and the power of embracing diversity. Tickets are now available for what promises to be an exciting theatrical experience.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.