Salman Khan's pick:Deepika or Illeana for 'kick'?

MUMBAI: Deepika Padukone and Ileana d'Cruz are vying for Salman Khan's attention. And caught in the crossfire is the producer's directorial debut.

Salman Khan's 'Kick' kick-starts on June 1, 2013. So who's lucky girl opposite him?

For Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick which begins shooting on June 1 it's a toss-up between Ileana d'Cruz and Deepika Padukone.

Ileana, it is to be noted, had played the lead opposite Telugu star Ravi Teja in the Telugu original of 'Kick'.

While producer-turned-director Sajid Nadiadwala who is gearing up for his mid-2013 directorial debut is said to have expressed the opinion to Salman that Ileana would fit the bill in the Hindi version of 'Kick', Salman we hear is quite keen to rope in Deepika Padukone for 'Kick'.

Says a source, "Salman has repeatedly been saying how wonderful it would be to work with Deepika, and what a great pair they would make. It is likely that Salman would get his way with Nadiadwala. Yeh bhi to home production jaisa hai (this too is like a home production for Salman). In any case home-producton or not Salman gets to have the final say on his co-stars."

Priyanka's possible presence in either of Salman's two films in 2013 is being described as "doubtful."

Says the source, "The ice may have thawed between them. But there's no renewed friendship between Salman and Priyanka."🥳🥳

In fact those close to Salman wonder where this dosti theory started. And where it would end.

"Everyone knows how close Priyanka is to Shah Rukh Khan. Salman would never dream of renewing his friendship with anyone who is close to Shah Rukh. She is close to Salman's sisters. That's why she's seen visiting his home. We can tell you with certainty that there's no project happening with Salman and Priyanka in the lead," says someone close to the superstar.

'Kick', we hear, has all but gone to Ileana. But then the Deepika factor loomed large in the picture. Apparently the leading lady in 'Kick' has to perform some kickass stunts.

Says the source, "Here's where Deepika steps in with her athletic background. Sajid Nadiadwala wants Salman's leading lady in Kick to perform heavyduty martial arts and stunts. Deepika is perfect for the part. Ileana who was the first choice is now one of the two main contenders for the part."

At this point of time Ileana is likely to lose the role to Deepika