Welcome! Dubai has welcomed many Bollywood stars, but this time producer Feroz Nadiadwala is saying a special "welcome" with his film called — what else — Welcome! This multi-starrer has Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif, Mallika Sherawat, Feroz Khan, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar.
The cast and crew of the film are in Dubai till November 2 to shoot some scenes and a song. Directed by Aneez Bazmi, some scenes were shot yesterday at the Hyatt Regency, Dubai, with Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Paresh Rawal. We caught up with them for quick chats in between takes and touch-ups.

Action man Akshay Kumar

Gulf News: You have shot a lot of films in Dubai. What do you like about the place?

Akshay Kumar: I come here at least three to four times a year. I like the roads, the cleanliness, the lovely cars, and the nice people. The best thing is the people here understand that you are working, so they don't bother you. I am not a shopping person, but I still like to go to the malls. I catch up on movies here. Feroz Nadiadwala, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar make up a hit trio. Is this another attempt to capitalise on this? I have worked with Feroz and Paresh in a whole lot of films. We understand each other and each other's needs. Our comfort translates on screen as well. Apart from being comfortable with the production and the co-actors, Welcome is a great film. Director Anees Bazmi is also the screenplay writer. He knows his script by heart, so it's nice to do a film with a director like that.

Gulf News: How do we see Akshay in Welcome?

Akshay Kumar: I play Rajiv, an auctioneer, in the film. I auction paintings. It's a romantic comedy. It has its fun moments and of course the romance is there. It's a fun, family, commercial film.

Lovely lady Katrina Kaif

Gulf News: We saw you with Akshay and Anil Kapoor in Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. Is it a comfort zone for you to work with them again in Welcome?

Katrina Kaif: It's always nice to work with actors with whom you have worked earlier because they know you. But apart from that, I liked my role in Welcome. I play Sanjana who is the romantic interest and the comedy is very circumstantial. So it's not in your face. I like the script and the cast of the film.

Gulf News: You are quite selective with your films. Is there a particular reason for it?

Katrina Kaif : I have always been selective, be it in modelling or films. I don't want to get into a project just for the money. Money is important, but at this stage, I have to believe in the project I am doing, no matter what the money is. I want to do commercial films, as there's more visibility, and different roles is what I am looking at.

Gulf News: What are your favourite places to hang out in Dubai?

Katrina Kaif: I visit Dubai very often, and I am a shopaholic. But I am now trying to cut down on shopping. I love Mall of the Emirates. They have very nice stuff and I love buying clothes there. I like the Japanese, Chinese and Thai restaurants here. And here I have a few friends, who I hang out with, so I love coming to Dubai.

Funny man Paresh Rawal

Gulf News: You have both shot films here and brought your plays. Why do you think lots of films are being shot here?

Paresh Rawad: Frankly speaking, I don't know the reason. But probably it's close to Mumbai and yet it's abroad, that's why producers like to come here. Also the law and order scenario here is very good. I personally admire the leadership very much.

Gulf News: Don't you think you have had enough of comedies, especially the entire Feroz-Akshay-Paresh combination?

Paresh Rawal: Yes, certainly, I don't want to walk into stupid comedies anymore. People start expecting a certain character from you, and then we'll drive ourselves out of the film industry, if we are seen in the same roles. So, I am doing different films with different actors and different directors.

By V. Raina, Gulf News Report

Articles from the author

Stars Welcomed