There is no denying the fact that Housefull is one of the most successful comedy franchises that Bollywood has ever produced. The series has seen the release of four instalments to date and each one of them has performed better than the previous one.
Housefull 4, the latest instalment of the super successful franchise, hit the silver screen on 25th October. With a gross of ₹230.02 crore in India and ₹47.46 crore overseas, it has taken its worldwide gross collection to ₹277.48 crore. Housefull 4 have now become the sixth highest grossing Bollywood movie of 2019.
The latest we hear that buoyed up by the huge success of the fourth instalment, the team at Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is planning the fifth part of the franchise. Buzz also has it that Deepika Padukone and Akshay Kumar, who starred in Housefull (2010), could come together to headline Housefull 5.
Recently, Akshay Kumar, who has been a constant in the entire Housefull franchise, shared a picture on social media, which featured old and new cast members of the franchise and hinted at the fifth instalment of the Housefull franchise. "Last night was Housefull of fun with friends from Housefull 1, 2, 3 and 4. Gearing up for 5? I don't know," wrote Akshay Kumar.
Now, a source told a popular tabloid that producer Sajid Nadiadwala wants to expand the series. He wants to bring home some old faces, including actress Deepika Padukone, who played the female lead opposite Akshay in the first part of the franchise.
"The basic premise of all the Housefull films results from confusion between three couples. For part five, Sajid wants to throw five couples into the mix to amp up the fun by five times," the source said.
"Since the film demands a huge ensemble, it is essential to get coordinated bulk dates from all the actors. There will be clarity on the shoot schedule and the release date only when the script is locked," the source concluded.
Pankaj Dheer, famed for playing Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, dies after a battle with cancer.
Actor also appeared in films like Sanam Bewafa and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka.
Remembered for his cultural impact, with temples and statues dedicated to his portrayal of Karna.
Beloved for portraying karna
Veteran actor Pankaj Dheer, celebrated for his role as the warrior Karna in BR Chopra’s Mahabharat, passed away on 15 October 2025 at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by his friend and colleague Amit Behl as well as CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association), which issued a statement expressing profound grief.
According to sources, Dheer had been battling cancer for some time. Despite undergoing major surgery and fighting the disease, it relapsed a few months ago, leaving him extremely unwell. His cremation was held on the same day at Vile Parle (W), Mumbai.
A versatile career in film and television
Beyond Mahabharat, Dheer appeared in films such as Sanam Bewafa and Baadshah, and TV shows including Chandrakanta and Sasural Simar Ka. He also worked as a director, helming the film My Father Godfather, and founded the Abhinay Acting Academy, mentoring aspiring actors.
Dheer’s portrayal of Karna left a lasting impression on audiences, making him one of Indian television’s most recognisable figures from the 1980s.
Cultural legacy and devotion
In interviews, Dheer spoke about the enduring popularity of his character, noting that statues and temples were built in his name. He revealed that he is worshipped in two Karna Mandirs, one in Karnal and another in Bastar, where an eight-foot statue honours his character.
He reflected: “People have loved me and adored me over the years. Even in the history books of schools, if they have a reference to Karna, they have my picture there. So, as long as these books are printed, I will always be their reference as Karna.”
Pankaj Dheer is survived by his wife Anita Dheer and son, actor Nikitin Dheer. His work continues to influence Indian television and the cultural memory of the Mahabharat epic.
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