Director Anees Bazmee, who is looking forward to the release of 'Welcome Back' says there is no replacement for actor Akshay Kumar.

In 2007, Anees entertained the audience with "Welcome" starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Feroz Khan and Katrina Kaif.

Now, the director is back with its sequel "Welcome Back" but with some changes in casting. In the movie, John Abraham has replaced Akshay.

"There is no replacement for Akshay. He is a complete hero--he can do romance, donation, comedy, drama. He is a big star. For 'Welcome Back' we had a new story idea so we have a new actor in place," Bazmee told PTI.

Off screen, Bazmee shares a great equation with Akshay.

"We both are comfortable with each other. We respect each other. We have good friendship," he said.

Bazmee does hope to show "Welcome Back" to Akshay.

"Welcome Back" stars John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Shiney Ahuja and Shruti Haasan, Nana Patekar, Paresh Rawal.

"We had not thought of making a sequel. But we were getting good response for the film everytime it was played on television. Producers thought it was a good idea to make a sequel they has even registered the title long back," Bazmee said.


"I took time to come up with a right story. As lot of goodwill was at stake. I don't work in hurry for a film. I take my own time and go ahead only when the script satisfies me," he said.

From the original cast those who make a return to the sequel include Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal.

"All three are very talented actors. I share great equation with them. Nana is temperamental he fights ..argues when things go wrong.

The sequel would see legendary actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia.

"Nasser sir is a nice human being and a very good actor. He plays a Don and I am sure people will have fun watching him on screen. Dimple mam is great to work with," he added.

The film would also mark the return of Shiney Ahuja.

"He is a good actor and has done a goos job in the film. On the first day of the shoot there seemed to be some kind of nervousness him but he did not show that on his face," Bazmee said.

The sequel is scheduled for a worldwide release on September 4.