Aishwarya Rai, these days, is threatened by the fact that Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi is considering Sushmita Sen to play a pivotal role in his forthcoming film Prithviraj Chauhan. Having signed on Rai to play Samyukta, Dwivedi is of the opinion that the ex-Miss Universe is the perfect choice for the other role.

But if Rai plays Samyukta as planned, there is very little chance of Sen being part of the project. An industry source reveals, "Aishwarya has made it very clear to Dr Dwivedi. She's told him categorically that if she takes on the role of Samuykta, he will have to think of another actress to play Sen's role."

Rai has been sending feelers to Dwivedi about her dilemma. But so convinced is Dwivedi about signing on Sen, that he is planning to give Rai the boot. Sources reveal, "He has already begun looking for another leading lady. After two meetings with Priyanka Chopra, he might just sign her."

Regarding Rai, one thing is clear: she is not concerned about the hero she's paired opposite, but about Sush who has been considered her arch rival right since her beauty queen days.

Although Sen has been cordial with Rai, the latter hasn't been kind to her. Sen has been gaining popularity and has definitely come into her own with films like Main Hoon Naa and Samay. She has begun endorsing products and has got offers from good banners.