/> Super-talented and popular as he is, Saif Ali Khan's career seems to be trapped in a deadlock.

While his home production Agent Vinod seems to be moving slowly for various reasons the only two films Saif was on the verge of signing in the last two years both with very close director-friends, have fallen through.

While Siddharth Anand who was supposed to direct 2 States with Saif Ali Khan and Priyanka Chopra in the lead, has opted out of the screen adpatation of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States, news comes that Kunal Kohli, another close pal of Saif who has directed the star in three previous projects, has had a serious fall-out with Kohli.

The film that Kohli was supposed to be doing with Saif has now gone to Shahid.

So went wrong? Kohli feigns ignorance, "This is not the same project that I was discussion with Saif. I never signed Saif for any film. He asked me to help out with a film HE signed with Asthavinayak.When we have a script that we both like we'll do something together. Right now I'm very excited about working with Shahid on my next film."

According to sources this "next film" that Kunal Kohli claims to be preparing to direct with Shahid Kapoor in the lead is actually the film that Kunal was on the verge of starting with Saif.

So what went wrong? Kunal had excitedly flown to London in July to narrate the script to Saif who was "extremely charged" by the unconventional love story.The leading lady chosen was Priyanka Chopra.

But then, says a source, "Kunal Kohli heard that Priyanka was also doing Siddharth Anand's 2 States with Saif at the same time. So he decided to cast another girl, Katrina Kaif, opposite Saif in his film. Then when 2 States was snagged Kunal decided to sign Priyanka with Saif."

Now with Shahid doing the film Priyanka is out.

Says a source close to Priyanka, "The negotiations with Kunal Kohli were on for a project with Saif, not Shahid. Priyanka won't be doing the film with Shahid."

Sahid confirms, "Yes I am doing a love story directed by Kunal Kohli. The co-star has not yet been decided."

Apparently the leading lady zeroed in on for Shahid is Sonakshi Sinha. The other choice was Sonam Kapoor. But Kunal Kohli felt another love story with the Shahid-Sonam pair right after Mausam would be an over-dose.

So what happens now to Saif's date diaries? Neither Saif nor his Agent Vinod director Sriram Raghavan reverted.

Siddharth Anand too kept mum when asked if he planning another film with Saif.