However Sohail Khan denies having signed or even approached Karishma.
So where did this story emerge from?
Apparently no one from Salman or Sohail's production house has approached, let alone signed Ms Kotak, a half-British half-Indian like Katrina Kaif.
`Perhaps people close to her feel the British-Indian mix of Katrina would work in Karishna Kotak's favour. We don't know what she think or where the story of being signed for Sohail's film opposite Salman came from. But the truth is, there's no truth to it, ` says a close friend of Salman's.
In fact at the moment Sohail's home production is pushed ahead by a bit. Salman's dates in 2013 are being worked out for Sohail's film, Boney Kapoor's No Entry Mein Entry and Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick. Leading ladies for all three are on the verge of being locked in.
But sorry, Ms Kotak is not even under consideration.
To go back a bit, Salman who hosts Bigg Boss was seen to be a little extra kind towards the `soft-and-gentle` Karishma.
Says Salman's friend, `That's it? That got rumours of her signing his next film going? Yeh to wohi baat hui na, woh hans ke miley hamle hamse hum pyar samajh baithe (just because he met me with a smile I thought it was love). The same thing had happened with another Bigg Boss contestant... what's her name?... yes, Mehak Chahal. Just because Salman says a few nice words to a girl it doesn't mean he's working with her. `
Incientally Kingfisher model Angela Johnson was the first choice for Sohail Khan's film with Salman. She too is apparently not in the reckoning any more.
We confirmed with Sohail who said, `I'm quite fed up of the rumours. First the media gives my film titles like Sher Khan, then Radhe then Mental... Now they've even given me a leading lady. There are so many rumours about my film, I've given up. `
Sohail says the Karishma conection to his film is completely baseless. ` I've short-listed a few leading ladies. Insha Allah, I'll announce the girl next week. `
I did try to get in touch with Ms Kotak. She did not respond.
Reports of a newcomer doing a film with Salman Khan can never hurt the newcomer. Even if it isn't true.
