Anees Bazmee Recollects Health Scare During Filming of Welcome, Affirms Passion for Craft

Director Anees Bazmee reflects on a health ordeal during the shooting of Welcome, emphasizing his love for filmmaking as he gears up for the next installment of Bhool Bulaiyya

Anees Bazmee, the seasoned filmmaker currently immersed in the production of Bhool Bulaiyya’s third chapter, recently delved into his enduring dedication to cinema spanning nearly four decades. In a candid discussion, Bazmee revisited a pivotal moment during the filming of his iconic 2007 hit, Welcome, where he faced a severe health setback.

Recounting his experience to Sidharth Kannan, Bazmee disclosed being unwell while shooting a crucial scene set in a hospital. He reminisced being accompanied by Nana Patekar, who discreetly received advice from a physician suggesting Bazmee’s admission. Despite his ailment, Bazmee persisted, remarking, “I shot for that scene but don’t remember shooting it. Even when I sat on the edit table, I couldn’t recollect it.”

The scene in question depicted Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar’s characters arriving at the hospital, discovering Firoz Khan’s son had been injured. Bazmee revealed, “And that became the best comedy scene of the film. I shot that scene with great difficulty; my nose was bleeding.”

Reflecting on the initial audience reaction during a trial screening of Welcome, Bazmee shared how concerns arose when no laughter ensued from the viewers. However, producer Firoz Nadiadwala opted to trust Bazmee’s vision, refusing to make any alterations to the film. This decision proved astute as Welcome went on to become a blockbuster success.

In a nostalgic moment, Bazmee professed Welcome as his personal favorite, remarking, “It is very close to my heart, I made that film in a very happy mood.”

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated sequel to Welcome, titled Welcome To The Jungle, is currently in development. With a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and Lara Dutta Bhupathi, the film promises uproarious entertainment upon its 2025 release.