The film ‘Welcome’, starring Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif, and Mallika Sherawat, was released in theaters on December 21, 2007. This comedy film, directed by Anees Bazmee, has completed 18 years today. Anil Kapoor, who played the character of ‘Majnu Bhai’ in the film, paid tribute to the late Feroz Khan on this occasion, saying that the film wouldn’t have been the same without his memorable character RDX. Anil Kapoor revealed that when he first heard the script, he wondered how the film would turn out. However, Anees Bazmee was confident that Feroz Khan’s presence would make the film even better.
Sharing his feelings about the shooting
On the 18th anniversary of ‘Welcome’, Anil Kapoor reminisced about the old days and shared some pictures from the film with the late Feroz Khan on his X (formerly Twitter), along with a black and white picture from their 1986 film ‘Janbaaz’. In the caption, he wrote, “18 years of Welcome. This is for Feroz Khan Sahab. Welcome wouldn’t have been Welcome without RDX, just like Mr. India was incomplete without Mogambo. Both are incomparable, simply.” Anil Kapoor further recalled, “I was surprised after hearing the script, wondering how it would turn out. The film felt stagnant at certain points. Anees Bhai said, ‘Don’t worry… Feroz Sahab will lift the film.’ And he did. RDX took the film to new heights. This film, this character, this madness, this magic.”
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Anees Bazmee’s post
Meanwhile, Anees Bazmee also shared a post on Instagram on the 18th anniversary of Welcome, writing that 18 years of Welcome… and the love hasn’t diminished at all. From Majnu and Uday’s antics to Ghungroo’s priceless reactions, from Rajiv’s innocence to RDX’s swag – every character stayed in our hearts, lived on, and became a part of our family. Welcome became a mood, an identity, and a comforting film. Thank you for your love, laughter, and for making Welcome a part of your lives again and again.
I remember hearing the script and wondering how it would land.picture yaha ruk jati hai baith jati hain .
Anees bhai said, “Chinta mat karo… Feroz Saab picture utha lenge.”
And he did. RDX lifted the film.This film , this character, this madness , magic ✨
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) December 21, 2025
Welcome Franchise
The Welcome franchise, which began with Anees Bazmee’s film Welcome in 2007, followed by Welcome Back in 2015, remains a favorite among audiences even today due to its unparalleled humor and memorable characters. The filmmakers announced the third installment of the franchise, ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ in 2023. Ahmed Khan is directing the film, and Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal will be returning from the previous films. However, the popular characters of Uday and Majnu, played by Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, are not part of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’.
