SALMAN KATRINA in YRF Next and KAT with SRK in YRF

This time, they will come together for a Yash Raj film, to be directed by Kabir Khan PS: Katrina Kaif has also given the nod to a YRF film with SRK, to be directed by Yash Chopra

According to highly places sources, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif will be seen together in a film directed by Kabir Khan, for Yash Raj Films.

She has been signed for two films for the banner. The second one stars Shah Rukh Khan, and will be directed by Yash Chopra.

Says a source, " The film with Shah Rukh will be a romantic one and will go on floor by the end of this year.

The SalKat starrer is an actionthriller- romance." While the SRK- Kat pair is interesting because they've never been paired together in a film, the SalKat jodi is exciting, given their personal history, and their hit films together ( see box). The estranged lovers were last seen together in Tees Maar Khan, in the Walla Walla song.

Salman has stayed away from the YRF banner after the Chak De! controversy. The film was first offered to him, but the Chopras refused him the price he demanded because they've always paid actors less than their market price, because they are a " prestigious banner." But that has changed in the last few years, and they have started paying top dollar to the A- List actors. The banners strategy to work with newcomers didn't really pay off ( Lafangey Parindey, Badmaash Company, Rocket Singh Salesman Of The Year), so they are back to wooing big stars.

Aamir Khan being signed for Dhoom 3 is yet another indication of that. He has been paid megabucks. Even Salman is getting his asking price this time.

A source close to Katrina confirms, " She's in talks with Kabir for the project. It's a performance oriented role in the league of New York." A spokesperson from YRF says, " No cast has been locked for either Yash ji or Kabir's film.

We would request you to wait for our announcement."

SHAH RUKH'S FADING YASHRAJ CONNECTION

Yash Raj is Shah Rukh Khan's playground. His first film with the banner was 1993' s Darr. After that, he signed Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge in 1995, an iconic film. In 1997, he was again seen in another YRF film Dil Toh Paagal Hai with Madhuri Dixit and Akshay Kumar. Next, came Mohabbatein in 2000. After a four- year break he was seen in Yash Chopra's directorial venture Veer Zara. Chak De! followed in 2007. His last film with the banner was Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008, that saw Aditya Chopra's return to direction.

However, in the last few years, the production house has also worked with other leading actors like Aamir in Fanaa ( 2006), Saif Ali Khan in Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic ( 2008) and Akshay Kumar in Tashan ( 2008).

Aamir and Salman will now appear in future projects — Dhoom 3 and Kabir Khan's untitled.

FILMS SALKAT HAVE DONE TOGETHER

PARTNER ( 2007) A comedy, this one starred Katrina- Govinda and Lara- Govinda. Directed by David Dhawan, the film was a big hit that year. Every now and then, there are talks of a sequel.

MAINE PYAAR KYUN KIYA ( 2005) A romcom where Katrina and Salman were paired for the first time. It had Salman in the role of a doctor who falls for Katrina. The film also starred Sushmita Sen.

Even though the film met with average success, the Just Chill song was a chartbuster.

YUVVRAAJ ( 2008) Subhash Ghai directed Salman and Katrina in this musical. Even though it had good music, the audience didn't connect with the story. After Yuvvraaj's dismal run, the two haven't worked together.

HELLO ( 2008) Salman and Katrina had a cameo in Hello. Khan's brother- in- law Atul Agnihotri directed it. The film went unnoticed.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA SIGNS DHOOM 3?

Buzz is, the hunt for the leading lady opposite Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3 has ended.

Sources reveal that Priyanka Chopra has pipped Katrina and Deepika to the post. Her penchant for action roles and athletic body gave her the edge over the other girls.