Mallika Sherawat says Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar vied for her attention on Welcome set

Actor Mallika Sherawat recalls feeling important on the Welcome set as Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar competed for her attention. She reflects on the film's unexpected success during filming in Dubai.

In Short

• Mallika Sherawat felt special working with Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar in Welcome
• She enjoyed their attention both on and off the set
• The actor recalled shooting the film in hot Dubai conditions

Actor Mallika Sherawat recently recalled her experience working with Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar in the 2007 comedy-drama Welcome. The 47-year-old actor said she felt quite important as "two superstars" vied for her attention, not only in the film but also on set.

During a conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, Mallika reacted to a picture of herself with Anil and Nana from the set of Welcome. "My two suitors, this picture explains my life. I had a blast shooting for Welcome; both Anil and Nana were fighting over me for real. They were trying to get my attention; imagine how important I felt! They are brilliant actors, brilliant human beings, and have amazing energies as actors," she said.

Welcome, the superhit film starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, was helmed by Anees Bazmee. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences. However, Mallika mentioned that nobody in the film's team expected it to become such a huge success.

“We were shooting in Dubai; it was so hot that our makeup would keep melting, so no one was bothered thinking about the film’s fate. We all just wished to pack up soon and go back home," the Murder actor reminisced.

Following the success of Welcome, the makers created a sequel in 2015 titled Welcome Back, but it couldn't match the success of its predecessor. Now, Akshay Kumar will return with the third film in the franchise, titled Welcome to the Jungle, directed by Ahmed Khan.

In addition to Akshay Kumar, the film will star Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Rahul Dev, Mukesh Tiwari, Sharib Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, Zakir Hussain, and Yashpal Sharma. Adding to the charm are actresses Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, and the young and dynamic Vrihi Kodvara.