Lara Dutta Reveals Deepika Padukone Worked Through Malaria During 'Housefull' Italy Shoot

Key facts

• 'Housefull' released in 2010, directed by Sajid Khan.
• Lara Dutta played Hetal Patel, a modern Gujarati girl working in a London casino.
• Deepika Padukone contracted malaria during the Italy schedule.
• Padukone continued filming despite high fever and being 'totally drained'.
• Producer Sajid Nadiadwala fostered a homely, stress-free environment.
• The cast included Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, and Boman Irani.
• Lara Dutta praised Akshay Kumar's consistency and their two-decade-long friendship.

A Blockbuster Turns 16

Sajid Khan's 2010 ensemble comedy 'Housefull' has completed 16 years since its release. The film, a landmark in Hindi cinema's romantic comedy genre, brought together a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Riteish Deshmukh, and Lara Dutta. In a recent interview, Dutta revisited the making of the film, revealing behind-the-scenes challenges and the camaraderie that defined the project.

Deepika Padukone's Battle with Malaria

Lara Dutta disclosed that Deepika Padukone was suffering from malaria during the Italy schedule of 'Housefull'. Despite a high fever and being completely drained, Padukone continued to film emotional scenes. 'She would show up on set and you could see that she was totally drained and wiped out,' Dutta recalled, highlighting Padukone's immense dedication. The illness required medical attention, yet most of the cast and crew were unaware of the severity of her condition.

A Family-Like Atmosphere on Set

Dutta described the shoot as feeling like a family holiday, with the entire cast staying together in Italy. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala created a stress-free environment, ensuring that the schedule felt like a vacation. 'Akshay and Riteish are like family. Everybody—even Boman, Lillette, Sajid—felt it was special,' she said. The camaraderie extended beyond the set, with Dutta praising Akshay Kumar's consistency and their two-decade-long friendship.

Lara Dutta's Role and the Film's Legacy

In 'Housefull', Lara Dutta played Hetal Patel, a modern Gujarati girl working in a London casino. The film, directed by Sajid Khan, became a benchmark for ensemble comedies in Hindi cinema. Dutta noted that the multi-starrer format succeeded because no cast member could have carried the film alone. She also expressed eagerness to work in comedy films again, mentioning that she has heard about a 'No Entry' sequel for the longest time.

The Enduring Appeal of 'Housefull'

Sixteen years on, 'Housefull' remains a touchstone for its blend of humor and heart. The film's success was built on the chemistry of its cast and the vision of its director and producer. Dutta's revelations about Padukone's illness add a layer of resilience to the film's legacy. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, 'Housefull' stands as a reminder of the magic that can happen when a team works in harmony.

The bottom line

• Deepika Padukone continued filming 'Housefull' in Italy while battling malaria, showing remarkable professionalism.
• Producer Sajid Nadiadwala's nurturing approach created a family-like atmosphere that contributed to the film's success.
• Lara Dutta's role as Hetal Patel remains a standout in her career, and she is open to more comedy roles.
• 'Housefull' is considered a landmark ensemble comedy that defined the multi-starrer genre in Hindi cinema.
• The film's 16-year legacy is marked by strong off-screen friendships, particularly between Dutta and Akshay Kumar.