Bollywood hotties Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone are vying for the lead role opposite Akshya Kumar in Shirish Kunder's Joker, a co-production between Akshay's Hari Om Productions and Farah Khan, reports MidDay.
Deepika and Katrina both think that they are doing the film without the other knowing about it. Katrina had spoken to Akshay during the shooting of Farah's Tees Maar Khan and has taken it for granted that she is doing Joker. Deepika's inclusion in the casting is a recent development and she suits the script better. Akki is in a dilemma and is tearing his hair out figuring out the best way to tell one of the girls to take a walk.
Akshay's dilemma stems from the fact that while he's close to Katrina (they're a popular pair and have delivered several hits), Deepika is going out of her way to be accommodating in giving her dates.
The report says, Akshay has given his dates for January and Deepika can offer her dates for the month as well.
While Deepika is ready to negotiate her price as well, things have worked out for Katrina as well with the Dostana schedule being postponed to March. She too will be available in January. The trouble is Akki doesn't want to hurt either girl's feelings. The role is a very glamorous one and not being chosen would hurt either's prospects."
The report adds: That's why Katrina was upset about reports of Akki and her having a fallout. Kat wants the world to know that she's still very close to him.
Says Shirish, "We are in the process of casting the female lead opposite Akshay for Joker. Top names are being considered. It is a performance- oriented role. Akshay and I will take the final call in a week."
