Is a tussle of power between Salman's brother Sohail and the elder Khan's business manager to blame?

In a sudden decision taken last week, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor have been ruled out of appearing and performing at an international awards event at Toronto next month.

The change in stance has left award organisers Wizcraft stunned and is believed to be the result of a tussle of power between Salman's brother Sohail and the elder Khan's business manager.

Says an insider, "The award organisers intend to make the Toronto event the biggest spectacle ever.

Since Sal, Kat and Bebo's performances are all handled by Khan's business manager, the backing out is attributed to the fact that the commitment was made to Wizcraft by Sohail's event management company.

The family feud has Sallu's sis Alvira and her husband Atul Agnihotri backing his manager on one side and brothers Sohail and Arbaaz on the other.

"Sallu's business manager and Alvira are very close friends and they didn't like the fact that Sohail made the deal himself, " adds the insider.

The official reason given by the three stars is work commitments. Salman and Kareena are shooting for Alvira and Atul's Bodyguard and apparently, there's bound to be a date clash.

The Toronto event is expected to have the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh, the Deol men, Ranbir, Rishi, Randhir Kapoor and Anil Kapoor and his daughters Sonam and Rhea.

A spokesperson from Wizcraft doesn't deny the story but adds, "We don't comment about the stars and their itineraries. It's a case of work-in-progress."

Salman Khan and his business manager remained unavailable for comment.

THEY SAID...

WHAT NOW?
"The three stars are trying to rework their dates. Salman and Kareena are very keen to come. While Bebo will be showcasing her work at a huge event planned by the organisers apart from her performance, Sallu is even willing to work an extra two hours every day so he can attend the event, " informs the source.

Kareena Kapoor: (Reaction from a source close to the actress) Kareena can't go as she has to finish Bodyguard. So, for Salman's sake she's not going as the film has to release on Eid. It's more important for her to complete the film. She is busy with Aamir's film, too."

Katrina Kaif: (her spokesperson went on quote) Katrina's performance hasn't been cancelled. Work is in progress and talks are on. The release of her film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara has been preponed to July 8. We were to showcase the film at IIFA along with Katrina's performance.

We weren't sure whether to go to Canada to promote it or do it in India. We did send an e-mail to Wizcraft asking if we can work out the deal and stating what we can or can't do but there's been no reply from their side.

There is also no contract draft. Katrina also needs to complete the dubbing for Mere Brother Ki Dulhan after which she goes into promotion for ZNMD and then starts shooting for Kabir Khan's next. The next few months will be a busy time for her."

Sohail Khan:Andre (of Wizcraft) is a dear friend. The performances haven't been cancelled. We are still talking of the possibility. The only problem is that bhai (Salman) is shooting outdoor on those dates for Atul's film. Inshallah, if work finishes faster, we'll try and make it for IIFA.