Ranaut grows closer to Dutts than Patel

There has been a change of equation in the bonding of Ameesha Patel and Kangna Ranaut with the Dutts. The actresses are part of Sanjay and Maanayata's coterie. But now Kangs has emerged to be closer to the couple.

Says a source, "Though both knew Sanju professionally, they began bonding with his wife and became extremely near to her.

However somewhere down the line Ameesha felt that the Pahari girl was proving to be more favourable and garnering movies."

Kangna stars in Dutt's home production Rascals. She's also part of the Sanju-starrer Double Dhamaal. Earlier she was also seen in No Problem and Knock Out, both of which had the star.

Adds the source, "It's clear to Ameesha that Kangna's equation with the Dutts is helping her professionally as well. And that is irritating her.

With a film career not much to speak about Ameesha was to feature in Power but the project never took off. Also, Chatur Singh Two Star, her film with Dutt, never saw the light of day."

Last September Ameesha had hosted a baby shower for Maanayata.

At Sanju's business manager Dharam Uberoi's daughter Neha's wedding Ameesha was conspicuous by her absence even though the Dutts had hosted one of the events. Kangs was very much part of the celebrations.

As the source puts it, "Ameesha is feeling distanced out in the current scenario.

Their friendship exists but it's less intimate. Somewhere she had this unsaid expectation from Sanjay that he would suggest her name but when Kangna became part of Rascals it hurt her."

However, the Dutts' spokesperson maintains, "Kangna is a co-star and colleague. Ameesha is more than family. They want Ameesha to get married and the kanyadaan will be done by Sanjay and Maanayata."

Says Ameesha, "My relationships unlike most actors are not driven by gain. I was at Maana's house last week and spent all afternoon with her and the kids.

I have been travelling and busy. I am in Arunachal Pradesh now. Kangna may or may not exist in the Dutts' lives years from now. But the Dutts and I will always be family."