Vishal Dadlani responds to Vikas Khanna's criticism of Come Fall in Love casting

Aditya Chopra is adapting his Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (DDLJ)into a musical broadway titled Come Fall In Love. The makers of the musical, which is premiering at the legendary Old Globe theatre on September 14, announced its cast last week.

Soon after the announcement, Michelin star chef Vikas Khanna took to Twitter and expressed his displeasure at Austin Colby's casting in the DDLJ Broadway, in the iconic role of Raj Malhotra, played by Shah Rukh Khan in the 1995 film. He tweeted, "Raj is our childhood, youth, love & pride. Many Westerners will never understand what DDLJ means to us. I just saw HOUSEFULL show of @kiterunnerbway on BROADWAY w all colored cast. It received standing applause. Let’s not make our kids feel less on our own stage #DDLJMusical."

Reacting to Vikas's tweet, music composer Vishal Dadlani took to Twitter and wrote, "Hi Vikas. Followed and appreciated your compassion during the Covid pandemic, so felt like I had to reply to you re: "Come Fall in Love - The DDLJ Musical". Adi, Shekhar and I hope to represent India, our culture and our inclusive ethos with pride! CFIL has two cultures, meeting as equals, thru two young people in love. The cast is rich with South Asians playing South Asian characters and India is the most vibrant and glorious character on our stage! I promise you, we will do us all proud. I'd request you to come watch our show and see for yourself. Would be great to have you there!"

For The Old Globe production, Come Fall In Love begins performances September 1 and will run to October 16, 2022, with the official opening on September 14. The limited engagement will play on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Conrad Prebys Theatre Center.