Anees Bazmee: The Man Behind No Entry, Welcome & Bhool Bhulaiyaa's Success | THR Buzz

In this candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India's THR Buzz, celebrated filmmaker Anees Bazmee opens up about his remarkable journey from writer to one of Bollywood's most successful comedy directors. With Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 crossing the Rs 400 crore mark worldwide, Anees reflects on his 50-year career in cinema, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from iconic films like No Entry, Welcome, and Singh Is Kinng. The director reveals how he transitioned from writing for legends like Raj Kapoor to directing multi-starrer comedies with Bollywood's biggest names including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Anil Kapoor.

Anees discusses the evolution of comedy in Indian cinema, his unique approach to managing large ensemble casts, and the famous painting from Welcome that has become a cultural phenomenon. He shares touching memories of working with the late Irrfan Khan, his collaboration with legendary painter M.F. Husain on Gaja Gamini, and why he believes emotional honesty is the key to successful filmmaking. From writing scripts overnight to shooting in 50-degree desert heat, Anees provides rare insights into the craft of comedy filmmaking and why he remains optimistic about the genre despite changing audience tastes.