Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone slug it out to be in Akshay Kumar's next Joker. He's spoilt for choice

Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone have been at loggerheads ever since Ranbir Kapoor and it's been one big game of oneupmanship between them since then.

The latest bone of contention is Shirish Kunder's Joker, a co-production between Akshay's Hari Om Productions and Farah Khan and Shirish's Three's Company.

One has to go!

Says a source, "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."

Making it happen

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 source adds, "Akshay has given his dates for January and Deepika can offer her dates for the month as well."

What's at stake

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."

And that's why...

The source adds that, "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." Akshay remained unavailable for comment.

KAT VS DIPPY
WE GIVE YOU A HEADS-UP!

ROUND 1
prize: Ranbir Kapoor
How it ended: RK dumped Deepika for Kat
ROUND 2
The prize: Salman Khan film, Bodyguard
How it ended: Both lost out on the Sallu flick. Kareena Kapoor picked up the role
ROUND 3
The prize: Shirish Kunder's Joker
How it ended: Deepika appears to be the clear favourite.