Feroz Khan, at 69, passed away in 2009 due to lung cancer.
Welcome, the 2007 film, had big names like Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Katrina Kaif.
Feroz Khan, the filmmaker and actor, was widely loved among the masses for his impeccable style and personality on the silver screen. Khan started his film career with small roles in the 1960s. His hard work and dedication led him to lead roles in films. Later, the actor also proved his directorial prowess in films like Dharmatma and Qurbani. The late actor’s last film was the 2007 release Welcome. But did you know that Feroz Khan declined the offer to play the iconic character RDX in Welcome not once or twice but over ten times?
It has been a decade and a half since Anees Bazmee’s directorial Welcome hit the box office and turned out to be a super hit. The film with big names like Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif and Feroz Khan featured many over-the-top hilarious scenes. From the evergreen Majnu bhai ki painting to the late Feroz Khan’s ‘RDX dance’, it has managed to hold a tight grip on the audience’s hearts till now. But, not many of you know that Feroz refused to be a part of the film but the director Anees Bazmee was adamant about signing him for the film.
In an interview with Cinestaan.com, Bazmee revealed that he was hell-bent on casting Feroz Khan as RDX in Welcome. He said, “I had to convince Feroz Khan. I was always a huge fan of his. I thought if there was anyone who could play the big boss to Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, it was Feroz Khan Saheb. However, he didn’t want to do the film. I reckon he was not in great health then. I was adamant that he do the film. I went to his house 10-15 times, and every time he politely refused.”
The director went on to spill the beans on Khan’s character in the film and why he was turning down the offer. Bazmee said, “One day, he said, ‘This role goes against my image.’ I told him, ‘Sir, I am your biggest fan. This film only adds to your image.’ He finally agreed to join, but two days before we were supposed to leave for Dubai, he refused.”
However, he finally changed his decision and surprised everyone as he landed in Dubai to shoot a portion of the film. The director further heaped praises on the actor and added, “I don’t think I had written any great character, but his presence was required to create the desired impact. I cannot take the credit for the role, it was the brilliant acting of Feroz Khan that did the trick.”
Feroz Khan, at the age of 69, passed away in 2009 due to lung cancer.
