Welcome is one of the cult classic comedy Hindi films for its stellar cast, dialogues, and comic timings. The film has carved a recognition in Indian cinema and is loved by cinephiles. The film extended as a series over time and the latest offering is Welcome to the Jungle. Ever since the third installment of the Welcome series was announced it created immense excitement among the fans. Well, what disappointed fans who were eagerly waiting for Welcome 3 is the absence of Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor. Both played iconic roles in Welcome and Welcome Back but are no longer a part of the upcoming film.

Welcome to the Jungle will see the return of Akshay Kumar to the film franchise but exit of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar. Nana Patekar who played the role of Uday Shetty revealed why he and Anil Kapoor rejected Welcome 3. In an interview with The Lallantop, he said, “They did approach us. We said no. Kahani nahi hai. Utna mazza nahi aaya. (There’s no story. We didn’t enjoy it as much).” 

Nana also revealed that he was skeptical of playing Uday Shetty in 2007 released Welcome and asked director Anees Bazmee to swear on his mother that he would suit the role. He added, “But it wouldn’t have been complete if Anil and I weren’t doing it together. If Anil and I are there, then only Welcome is possible. If you remove me, then he alone can’t make Welcome and vice-versa,” Nana added. Nana Patekar also mentioned how the film’s sequel, Welcome Back, did not work well at the box office.

The upcoming installment will sadly not see Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar who entertained us in Welcome. The third sequel titled Welcome to the Jungle has an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Mika Singh, Daler Mehndi, Shreyas Talpade, Pitobash, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Rahul Dev, Inaamulhaq, Sharib Hashmi, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, Johnny Lever, and Yashpal Sharma. The film will be directed by Ahmad Khan and is slated to release during Christmas 2024.