Among the whole bunch of girls who acted in Chak De India alongside SRK, probably the one who managed to draw maximum eyeballs was Sagarika Ghatge. Sagarika, who played the gutsy character of Preeti Sabarwal, also emerged as the highest goal-scorer in the film.

Now it seems Sagarika has managed to strike a goal in her real life too. The actress has been signed by Percept Picture Company for their film Raftaar (working title). The film is directed by noted ad film maker Shamin Desai.

Sagarika will be paired opposite serial-kisser Emraan Hashmi in the film. What is interesting is the fact that the role which Sagarika has been signed for was to be originally played by Esha Deol.

We got in touch with Sarita Patil, Head of feature films at Percept Picture Company, to get some more info on this story. "Yes we have signed Sagarika for Raftaar. She has replaced Esha Deol as we couldn't agree on the price.

After things didn't work out with Esha, we had a couple of options in mind and our director Shamin had seen Sagarika's work in Chak De India and felt she would fit the part. Sagarika's is a full- fledged lead role opposite Emraan Hashmi."

The film also stars Neha Dhupia and Aditya Panscholi in prominent roles. Shooting for the film is currently underway in Kuala Lumpur and the film is expected to release sometime early next year (2009).