16 Years of 'Housefull': Lara Dutta Reveals Deepika Padukone's Struggles During Filming

Celebrating 16 Years of 'Housefull'

The blockbuster comedy film 'Housefull', directed by Sajid Khan, marks its 16th anniversary today, April 30. On this special occasion, lead actress Lara Dutta reminisced about the filming experience and shared an unknown story that highlights the dedication of the cast, particularly Deepika Padukone, who continued to work despite battling a serious illness.

Deepika Padukone Battled Malaria

In an interview with a news media outlet, Lara Dutta disclosed that Deepika Padukone contracted malaria during the shooting of the film. She stated, 'Very few people know that Deepika was extremely ill while filming 'Housefull'. She had malaria and was completely exhausted. Doctors were monitoring her closely, and she was on heavy medication.' According to Lara, Deepika suffered from high fever throughout the night and often shivered, yet her professionalism never wavered.

Shooting Continued Despite Illness

Lara praised Deepika's commitment, emphasizing that malaria is a debilitating illness, far more serious than a common cold. She recalled, 'Our schedule was fixed, and with so many prominent actors involved, it was challenging to halt the shooting. We were filming some emotional scenes during that time. Deepika would arrive on set in the morning, and it was evident from her face how physically drained she was, but once the camera was rolling, her performance never faltered.' Lara commended Deepika's dedication, calling her a true professional.

'Housefull' and Its Impact

'Housefull', released in 2010, featured a stellar cast including Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, Boman Irani, and Arjun Rampal. Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala with a budget of approximately ₹45 crores, the film achieved remarkable success at the box office. The storyline revolves around Akshay Kumar's character, who considers himself the unluckiest person in the world, and his fortunes change when he gets caught up in love and marriage.

The Legacy of 'Housefull'

The success of 'Housefull' laid the groundwork for Bollywood's largest comedy film franchise. Following its debut in 2010, sequels were released in 2012, 2016, and 2019. The third film was directed by Sajid-Farhad, while the fourth installment was helmed by Farhad Samji. Last year, in 2025, the fifth film, 'Housefull 5', was released, directed by Tarun Mansukhani, with Akshay Kumar reprising his lead role. Lara Dutta also mentioned that Deepika is not shy but rather reserved, and her hard work significantly contributed to the franchise's success.