Is Katrina Kaif always first choice for Bollywood directors?

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif’s stars are shining bright and her hard work is also paying off as producers and directors never cease to cue up at her door step.

But what is more amusing is the fact that Katrina Kaif appears to be the first choice of almost every big project that is launched in Bollywood. Or rather 'supposedly' first choice before another heroine is taken onboard.

When Priyanka Chopra was signed for Ali Abbas Zafar’s 'Gunday', immediately news filtered to the media that Katrina was the first choice. Apparently YRF big boss Aditya Chopra wanted Katrina to be the lead but due to date issues the actress had to refuse the offer.

Again during 'Barfi!', which starred Ranbir Kapoor, Ileana D’Cruz and Priyanka Chopra, it was rumoured that director Anurag Basu's originally choice was Katrina for Ileana's character to play Ranbir's first love in the movie.

Katrina is undeniably one of the most sought-after actors in Bollywood right now. With two back-to-back hits in 2012 — 'Ek Tha Tiger' and 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' — she has further strengthened her position on the top.

On the flip-side Katrina is finding it difficult to manage all the time and date being on the most-wanted list.

Incidentally, Nargis Fakhri was not Imtiaz Ali’s first choice for 'Rockstar' opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Even for an item number in 'Dabangg 2' which finally saw Kareena Kapoor, there had been buzz that Kat was the original choice.

Ayan Mukherjee's 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' witnessed some sizzling chemistry between Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor. But Karan Johar wanted Katrina onboard before finalising Deepika for the role.

After Katrina's refusal, producer Karan Johar offered her an item dance, "Chikni Chameli", in 'Agneepath' which went on to become a huge hit.

Katrina was in the wish-list of Avant garde director Anurag Kashyap. She was the first choice for Anurag's, 'Bombay Velvet'. She could not come on board due to date issues. The role is now being played by Anushka Sharma

Rakesh Roshan's much talked 'Krrish 3' has a female antagonist which will be played by Kangana Ranaut. Source says that Katrina was the first choice for the role Kaya.

So if Katrina is the first choice for every director, wonder why she doesn't do such defining characters and roles? Surely adjust dates according to her schedule with all willing directors is not a big issue.

But then Katrina was not the first choice for 'Jab Tak Hai Jaan' and 'Dhoom 3'. The roles were offered to Deepika who opted for 'Chennai Express' and 'Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani' instead.

Even in 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' Zoya Akhtar wanted the more talented Kalki Koechlin to play the leading lady.

After the success of 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' Katrina desperately wanted to work with boyfriend Ranbir in Imtiaz Ali's next. But the director picked up Deepika for her unfathomable chemistry with the Kapoor boy.

Katrina worked with Ranbir in 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani' (2009) and 'Raajneeti' (2010), and hoped to be paired once again as reel-life partners.

Well Katrina you always cannot eat your cake and have it too!

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