Superstar Akshay Kumaron Thursday marked the 16th anniversary of the hit movie Welcome and announced that Sanjay Dutt has joined the franchise's upcoming third part.
Kumar posted a photo from the sets of the movie, which is titled Welcome To The Jungle and is being directed by Ahmed Khan.
"What a lovely coincidence that we celebrate 16 years of Welcome today while I am shooting for the franchise's third part Welcome To The Jungle. And it's wonderful to welcome Sanju Baba in this one. What do you think? @duttsanjay," the 56-year-old actor wrote.
Welcome, released on December 21, 2007, became a huge hit at the domestic box office. It also featured Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, and the late Feroz Khan. The second movie called Welcome Back, came out in 2015 and became a box-office hit.
Both the movies were directed by Anees Bazmee.
Welcome To The Jungle will feature an ensemble cast that also includes Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Johnny Lever, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Rajpal Yadav, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Disha Patani, Kiku Sharada and Krushna Abhishek. Singers Daler Mehndi and Mika Singh round out the cast.
The movie is scheduled to be released in theatres on December 20, 2024.
The celebrated comedian and character actor passed away due to age-related ailments.
Asrani’s career spanned over five decades across Hindi and regional cinema.
He was best known for his collaborations with Kader Khan and director Priyadarshan.
A prolific career in Indian cinema
Veteran actor Asrani, who brought laughter and warmth to Indian screens for more than five decades, has passed away at the age of 84 due to age-related ailments. Known for his impeccable comic timing and memorable supporting roles, Asrani was among the most recognisable faces in Hindi cinema from the 1970s through the 1990s.
He became a household name with his performance as the eccentric jailer in Sholay (1975), and also left a mark with acclaimed roles in Abhimaan, Bawarchi, and Chupke Chupke. Over the years, his versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between comedy, character parts and cameos.
Successful collaborations with Kader Khan
Asrani shared a long and successful professional relationship with actor-writer Kader Khan. The duo appeared together in several hit films including Swarg Se Sundar, Charnon Ki Saugandh, Patal Bhairvi, Himmatwala, Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni, Dulhe Raja, and Ankhiyon Se Goli Maare. Their chemistry and comic exchanges became a staple of mainstream Hindi cinema in the 1980s and 1990s.
Comic brilliance under Priyadarshan’s direction
In the 2000s, Asrani reached a new generation of filmgoers through his collaborations with filmmaker Priyadarshan. He featured in some of the director’s most popular comedies including Hera Pheri, Yeh Tera Ghar Yeh Mera Ghar, Hulchul, Garam Masala, Malamaal Weekly, Chup Chup Ke, Bhagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhol, Billu, and De Dana Dan.
A legacy of laughter
With more than 350 films to his credit, Asrani’s contribution to Indian cinema is immense. His distinctive expressions, dialogue delivery, and ability to find humour in everyday situations made him one of Bollywood’s most beloved comic actors.
He is remembered not only for his performances but also for shaping the tone of comedy in Hindi films across generations.
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