Bollywood actor Anupam Kher expressed his elation upon meeting the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, in Mumbai this Thursday. He shared his happiness by taking to Instagram. “It was a pleasure meeting the British Prime Minister, Mr. Keir Starmer, last night at the reception to celebrate the UK-INDIA partnership. His speech was warm and full of positive possibilities between the two countries. He also turned out to be a great admirer of my first English language film, 'Bend It Like Beckham'. Thanks to the British High Commissioner, Mr. Harjinder Kang, for the invite!" wrote Kher.
Kher also posted photos of his meeting with Starmer, saying it was a pleasure to connect at the UK-India reception. He praised Starmer’s speech as “warm and full of positive possibilities” for both countries.
Kher stressed on the fact that Starmer “turned out to be a great admirer” of Bend It Like Beckham, his first English-language film. He also thanked British High Commissioner Harjinder Kang for setting up this meeting via an invitation.
Bend It Like Beckham, directed by Gurinder Chadha in 2002, was a cross-cultural hit. Kher played the role of Mr. Bhamra in the movie.
Keir Starmer’s Mumbai visit, which is a part of his first-ever official visit as the UK PM, has included stops at Yash Raj Films Studios, where he was shown Bollywood’s influence and collaboration potential. He also met Rani Mukerji at the YRF studio visit, while announcing that three major Bollywood films would be produced in the UK beginning in 2026, signaling a renewed cultural tie under the UK-India trade agreement.
Kher’s meeting with Starmer exemplifies how soft diplomacy, through cinema and shared cultural symbols, can complement the more formal facets of international partnership.