Anil Kapoor pens emotional note for Feroz Khan as ‘Welcome’ marks 18 years: “Incomplete without RDX”

welcome marks 18 years

The cult Bollywood comedy "Welcome" has completed 18 years since its release, and actor Anil Kapoor marked the milestone with a heartfelt tribute to the late actor Feroz Khan, who played the iconic role of RDX in the film.

Taking to X, Anil Kapoor shared throwback pictures and fond memories from the sets, calling Feroz Khan an irreplaceable part of the Welcome team. He wrote that the film would not have been the same without RDX, drawing a comparison to his own iconic villain, Mogambo from Mr. India. Kapoor said that just as Mr. India would be incomplete without Mogambo, Welcome wouldn’t exist in the same form without RDX. He captioned, “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.”

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 🫡 pic.twitter.com/wmSmSFLwBX

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) December 21, 2025

Recalling the making of the film, Anil Kapoor mentioned that director Anees Bazmee was confident that Feroz Khan’s presence would elevate the narrative. He further added, “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.”

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

Welcome, released in 2007, featured an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, and Feroz Khan. The film went on to become a massive box-office success and continues to enjoy cult status for its comedy, characters, and quotable dialogue.

The tribute also carried emotional weight as Welcome marked Feroz Khan’s final on-screen appearance. The legendary actor passed away in 2009 after battling lung cancer, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy. Kapoor’s note served as a reminder of Khan’s lasting impact and the void his absence has left in the industry.

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Even 18 years later, Welcome remains one of Hindi cinema’s most loved comedies, and Anil Kapoor’s emotional message reaffirmed how deeply the film and its characters continue to resonate with audiences.