Media is abuzz with reports that director Shankar is very keen to sign up Deepika Padukone for his sci-fi "Robot" opposite Tamil superstar Rajnikant.

The second name doing the rounds is that of 35-year-old Aisharwya Rai, whose historical romance "Jodhaa-Akbar" is releasing in February.

However, sceptics feel that neither Deepika nor Aisharwya will accept the offer because both the actresses prefer to work with Mani Ratnam.

Even for Shankar's earlier venture "Sivaji: The Boss", the rumour mill had predicted Aisharwya would play the female lead opposite Rajnikant, but finally low-profile Shriya Sharan was roped in.

After teaming up with the star in hit flick "Sivaji...", Shankar last week announced that he will repeat the 57-year-old actor in "Robot" and that A.R. Rahman will compose the music.