Filmmaker Anees Bazmee marked 18 years of his iconic comedy Welcome, which released in 2007 and went on to become one of Bollywood’s most popular and widely loved entertainers. To commemorate the milestone, Bazmee took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note, reflecting on the film’s lasting impact and its continued connection with audiences across generations.

Anees Bazmee looks back at 18 years of ‘Welcome’ and its timeless characters that still make audiences laugh 18 : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama

Anees Bazmee looks back at 18 years of ‘Welcome’ and its timeless characters that still make audiences laugh

In his post, Anees Bazmee expressed gratitude for the love the film continued to receive even nearly two decades later. He wrote, “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.”

Released in 2007, Welcome featured an ensemble cast that included Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan, and Mallika Sherawat. Each actor delivered memorable performances that went on to become part of popular culture. The film’s sharp humour, engaging screenplay, and catchy music played a key role in making it a repeat favourite among audiences.

Over the years, Welcome has been widely credited with redefining mainstream slapstick comedy in Hindi cinema. Its quotable dialogues, distinct characters, and fast-paced storytelling contributed to its lasting appeal and rewatch value.

Anees Bazmee, known for his ability to combine humour with mass entertainment, had earlier delivered several successful films including No Entry, Singh Is Kinng, Ready, Welcome Back, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. As Welcome completed 18 years, the film continued to stand as a strong example of Bazmee’s storytelling style — one that remained relevant, entertaining, and deeply cherished by audiences long after its release.

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