Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 5: Filmmaker Anees Bazmee has shared an interesting anecdote about how he persuaded veteran actor Nana Patekar to take on the iconic comic role of Uday Shetty in the blockbuster film Welcome.

Speaking on The Kapil Sharma Show, Bazmee recalled that Nana initially showed little interest in hearing the script and instead sought a personal assurance from the director.

According to Bazmee, the actor told him, "I don't want to hear the script. Just swear on your mother that this film is good for me."

When Nana asked how long it would take to narrate the story, Bazmee replied that he could tell it in three hours, 30 minutes or even three minutes.

Bazmee eventually narrated the script over three hours. After listening to it, Nana embraced the director and reportedly said, "I am like raw clay. I'll come to your set and you can mould me however you want."

The filmmaker said he had long admired Nana's acting abilities and always believed the veteran performer possessed exceptional comic timing despite being known primarily for intense and serious roles. He added that working with Nana on Welcome was a memorable experience.

Released in 2007, Welcome featured an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal and Mallika Sherawat in key roles. The film also included special appearances by Suniel Shetty and Malaika Arora.

The comedy also marked the final on-screen appearance of veteran actor Feroz Khan before his death in April 2009.

Welcome is widely regarded as being loosely inspired by the Mickey Blue Eyes.

Its sequel, Welcome Back, was released in 2015 and also performed well at the box office. The franchise's third instalment, Welcome to the Jungle, was released on June 26 this year.