Katrina-Sonakshi shortlisted to star opposite SRK

Farah Khan�۪s ��Happy New Year�۪ is one film that has taken the longest time to finalise its leading lady. Whilst Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Boman Irani have been finalised, the slot for the leading lady is yet to be officially filled. Names like Anushka Sharma, Parineeti Chopra and Priyanka Chopra had been doing the rounds for the coveted role, but the latest on the project is that it is in fact Katrina Kaif and Sonakshi Sinha that are in the race to bag the film.

“Yes, Sonakshi is a hot contender and the talks are definitely on with her. Meanwhile Katrina is on the top of the list since Shah Rukh is mighty happy with her after working together in Yash Chopra’s yet untitled film. He isn’t averse to Sonakshi though as this would be a new ‘jodi’ as well. He and Farah are currently brainstorming to pick one of the two and once she is through with the release of ��Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi�۪, there would be an announcement soon”, said a source to Bollywood Hungama.

“Other girls like Anushka Sharma or Parineeti Chopra were never under consideration. In fact Shah Rukh as well as Farah are surprised when these rumours originated. Yes, Anushka and he have formed a good team after working in two films and Parineeti Chopra is talented too. However they were not really fitting the bill”, the source adds.

Apparently, if neither Sinha nor Kaif can allot the necessary dates for the film, then an entirely new face will be considered instead.

As of now Farah Khan is busy with her debut in front of the camera (‘Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi’) which releases later this month.

Word is that she will finalise the leading lady of the film only towards the end of September. Watch this space for more.