Nearly two decades after it first became a popular Bollywood dance number, “Uncha Lamba Kad” is set to return to the big screen through Welcome To The Jungle, the latest installment in the Welcome franchise. Originally featured in the 2007 comedy Welcome, the song was composed, written and sung by Anand Raaj Anand along with singer Kalpana Patowary and was picturised on Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif.
The original track emerged as one of the most recognizable songs from the film’s soundtrack and has continued to find relevance through television broadcasts, social media content and short-form video platforms. Its return in Welcome To The Jungle reflects a growing trend in Hindi cinema of revisiting popular songs from successful franchises while introducing them to a new generation of viewers.
For the recreated version, Anand Raaj Anand has once again lent his voice, this time alongside singer Rubai. Reflecting on his association with the franchise, Anand said, “The title Welcome itself feels like a signature in my life. It’s almost as if people are saying, ‘Anand, you’re back.’ I am overwhelmed by the love I have received. In fact, I am getting much more affection than I had imagined.
Returning to this franchise feels very special because Welcome has always been associated with some of my most memorable songs. Seeing those songs continue to be loved and now being recreated for a new generation feels almost magical.”
While the return of the song has been viewed by many as a comeback moment for the composer-singer, Anand sees it differently. He said, “I don’t think I ever went away. I was simply in a creative zone rather than an execution zone. Music never left me, and neither did my passion for it. This phase feels like a natural continuation of my journey.”
The enduring popularity of “Uncha Lamba Kad” has been one of the key reasons behind its revival. Despite being released nearly 20 years ago, the song continues to enjoy visibility across digital platforms and remains one of the most remembered tracks from the Welcome soundtrack.
Speaking about the song’s longevity, Anand recalled the circumstances under which it was originally created. He said, “Honestly, it feels like a miracle. The fact that the song is still being used in reels and continues to resonate with audiences after so many years is incredibly satisfying. I still remember receiving an urgent call around midnight from the team behind Welcome. They needed three songs within just 15 days. Those songs eventually became history. Uncha Lamba Kad and Honth Rasiley continue to be loved even today.”
The Welcome franchise occupies a distinct place among Bollywood comedy series, with the 2007 film becoming a major commercial success and spawning multiple sequels. Music has remained an important part of the franchise’s identity, with several tracks from the original film continuing to enjoy recall value years after their release.
Anand also acknowledged the decision to retain the song’s essence while bringing it back for the new film. Speaking about his association with Akshay Kumar and the team behind the franchise, he said, “I feel extremely grateful to Akshay Kumar and the entire team for deciding to bring back Uncha Lamba Kad. Their belief in the song and its legacy means a lot to me. I think it is the mutual trust and belief in good music. Whenever everyone comes together with the intention of creating something entertaining and memorable, magic happens.
Seeing Uncha Lamba Kar return in a new avatar while retaining its original flavour brought back so many memories. It felt nostalgic and exciting at the same time.”
Welcome To The Jungle is expected to bring together one of the largest ensemble casts seen in a mainstream Hindi film in recent years. With the return of “Uncha Lamba Kad,” the film also taps into the nostalgia associated with the original Welcome while attempting to connect with younger audiences familiar with the song through digital platforms rather than its original theatrical release.