Mumbai, Mar 13 (IANS): Actor Bobby Deol is elated to come on board for the fourth instalment of the "Housefull" franchise due to his "Ajnabee" co-star Akshay Kumar's presence.

Produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, "Houseful 4" will also mark the return of Sajid Khan as the director for the franchise.

"I am really looking forward to collaborate with both the Sajids. I've always wanted to work with Sajid Nadiadwala and finally it's happening," Bobby said in a statement.

"Akshay and I share a great rapport and it will be fun working with him again. 'Housefull 4' is a big franchise and I can't wait for the film to start," added the actor, who is busy shooting for "Race 3" in Abu Dhabi.

Bobby has worked with Akshay in four films -- "Ajnabee", "Dosti: Friends Forever", " Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo" and "Thank You".

"Housefull 4" also stars Riteish Deshmukh, and is set for a Diwali 2019 release.

On the other hand, actress Sonakshi Sinha's spokesperson has refuted all reports claiming that the actress was in talks for the project.

The statement, issued on Tuesday, read: "Sonakshi Sinha surely has many films in the pipeline and every now and then we keep hearing speculations about her signing some film. And one such recent rumour is that the actress is doing 'Housefull 4'. However, none of this is true.

"Sonakshi will be shooting for 'Dabangg 3' around the same time as 'Housefull 4' goes on the floors."