Rohit Shetty’s next film 'Chennai Express' has Shah Rukh Khan playing the lead. The expectations from this film are high which will kick start and hit the floor from October 1.
 
Though 'Chennai Express' is one of the 'hottest' films to watch out for there has been no formal announcement about the leading lady.

Who will be romancing SRK? Rohit Shetty and Shah Rukh are spoilt for choice with three leading actresses vying for the role - Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor.

If reports are to be believed Shah Rukh wants Katrina Kaif on board who is already his co-star in the untitled Yash Raj movie.

Ever since they started working together on Yash Chopra's untitled film, Shah Rukh has been openly praising Katrina and is impressed by Katrina.
 
The two actors share sizzling chemistry in Chopra's film, and Shah Rukh obviously would like to repeat the combination.
 
Recently, he is said to have recommended Katrina for Farah Khan's upcoming film, 'Happy New Year' as well.

But director Rohit Shetty is said to be considering Deepika Padukone for reasons related to availability of Katrina's dates. Incidentally Katrina has her hands and dates full.

Katrina has committed dates to the Yash Raj's 'Dhoom 3' with Aamir Khan. She is likely to begin shooting for the film during the same period as Rohit's film starts. She is also wrapping up Yash Chopra's comeback venture as a director opposite Shah Rukh at the same time. Also she has to give dates for the promotion of her Salman Khan-starrer, 'Ek Tha Tiger', which releases in August during Eid.

However, Deepika is readily willing to allot dates for the film that will let her reunite on screen for the first time since her debut blockbuster of 2007, 'Om Shanti Om'.

Rohit Shetty is not willing to wait for Katrina's dates, however, 'Chennai Express', is SRK's home production.

As for Kareena Kapoor, reports suggested that she has opted out of ‘Chennai Express’. Her exit has come as a surprise especially when she was very excited about the subject and also working with Shetty.

Kareena had major issues managing her dates and that is the sole reason of her sudden decision.

The filmmakers are keeping the cards close to their heart and not revealing the name of the actress.

So we wait and watch who has the upper hand- the director or the producer in choosing their leading lady.