Welcome, starring Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif, Mallika Sherawat, and others, released in theatres on December 21, 2007. The comedy film, directed by
Anees Bazmee, has completed 18 years today. Anil Kapoor, who played ‘Majnu Bhai’ in the movie, marked the milestone by paying tribute to the late Feroz Khan, stating how the film wouldn’t have been the same without his iconic character RDX. Anil Kapoor recalled initially hearing the script and wondering how the film would land. However, Anees Bazmee was confident that Feroz Khan’s presence would elevate the film.
Anil Kapoor Remembers Feroz Khan As Welcome Turns 18
Anil Kapoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to take a trip down memory lane as Welcome turned 18. He shared some stills from the film with the late Feroz Khan, and also posted a black-and-white still from their 1986 film ‘Janbaaz’. In his caption, he wrote, “18 years of Welcome. This one’s for Feroz Khan Saab. Welcome wasn’t Welcome without RDX, just like Mr. India wasn’t complete without Mogambo. Both are irreplaceable, period.”
Anil Kapoor further recalled, “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.” Check out his post below!
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
Anees Bazmee’s Post
Meanwhile, Anees Bazmee also marked 18 years of Welcome by sharing a post on Instagram that read, “18 years of Welcome… and the love hasn’t aged a bit. From Majnu-Uday’s madness to Ghungroo’s priceless reactions, from Rajiv’s innocence to RDX’s swag – every character stayed, lived, and became family. Welcome became a mood, a reference, a comfort watch. Thank you for the love, the laughter, and for welcoming Welcome into your lives again and again.”
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Welcome Franchise
The Welcome franchise, which debuted in 2007 with Anees Bazmee’s Welcome and was followed by Welcome Back in 2015, remains a fan favourite due to its outrageous humour and unforgettable characters. The makers announced the third part in the franchise ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ in 2023. Ahmed Khan is directing the film, and while Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal will return from previous films, the popular characters of Uday and Majnu, played by Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, are not a part of Welcome To The Jungle.
