Despite his health issues, Bazmee pushed through and completed the film. However, a trial show of ‘Welcome’ to 200 people before its release left producer Firoz Nadiadwala worried. The audience remained utterly unresponsive, leaving Nadiadwala fearing the worst.
“Nobody laughed or felt that it was a good film,” Bazmee recalled. “Firoz got worried and called me the next day after the screening, saying that nobody laughed.”
Undeterred, Bazmee stood by his conviction. “Later, after a discussion, he went by my conviction, and we did not make a single change in the film, no addition or subtraction,” Bazmee said.
The director’s instincts proved correct. ‘Welcome’ went on to become a massive hit, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide. It remains a cult classic today, beloved by fans for its hilarious characters and memorable dialogue.
Bazmee’s story is a reminder that even when things seem tough, it’s important to believe in your vision. Sometimes, the best results can come from the most unexpected circumstances.
