Field open for Feroz Khan's role in 'Welcome Back'

Mumbai, Aug 27 (IANS) Actors John Abraham and Shruti Haasan will be seen as the lead pair in "Welcome Back," a sequel to the 2007 hit "Welcome". But director Aneez Bazmee is still on the lookout for someone to essay the part played by the late Feroz Khan in the original.

Bazmee released a teaser of his upcoming film here Monday.

"We are still thinking about who to rope in for the role that was played by Feroz Khan saab in the original film," Bazmee said.

Feroz Khan played don Ranvir Dhanraj Xaka (RDX) in the original film. It was a small yet crucial role. However, Bazmee revealed that the emphasis on the character will be larger in "Welcome Back".

"That role was very small. (But) Feroz Khan saab's presence was so big that the role looked big. But this one is actually quite big," Bazmee said.

Rumours have been rife that the makers are planning to rope in megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the role.

John steps into the shoes of Akshay Kumar, while Shruti has replaced Katrina for the sequel.

Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor return as Uday bhai and Majnu bhai respectively, and Paresh Rawal is also a part of the sequel.

"Welcome" was a superhit. But why did it take so long for a sequel?

"After making the first 'Welcome', our job to make a sequel became tougher. We were thinking about making it but didn't have a proper story," Bazmee said.

"But now that we are confident of doing justice with the film, we are starting it. Here also people asked me what's new in this, and that is that there is nothing old in this one," he added.

The teaser was shot to give a glimpse into what the film will be all about. However, the actual shoot starts next month.

"The story is still being written and there is almost a month-and-a-half before the shoot begins," Nana Patekar said.

Produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala, "Welcome Back" is slated for a March release next year.

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