Buzz is, the fiercely competitive Deepika and Anushka are keeping each other on their pretty toes
There are probably two things that Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone have in common - a cracker of a debut film and a certain Ranveer Singh. But that's pretty much where it ends. If industry insiders are to be believed, the lovely ladies are going all out to ensure that they stay ahead of each other in the race to the top.
Reports suggest they are keeping a strict tab on each other's diary - whether it is for film deals or endorsements. And the latest is that both they are pitching hard for Sajid Nadiadwala's upcoming film Kick.
And while Nadiadwala should be happy with the two of them willing to bend backwards for an opportunity to work with Salman Khan, what piqued everyone's curiosity was, how does Deepika intend to adjust her dates? A source close to Deepika pointed out that juggling dates has been her forte: "She worked out her schedules for Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani and Ram Leela and adjusted her dates again to promote Race 2.
Besides, Deepika has missed several opportunities to work with Salman in the past. This time she is keen to make it happen." As for Anushka, Kick would go a long way in giving her career the masala makeover that it could do with. Unfortunately for the talented actress, her vivacious, girl-next-door image may have cost her a few top-billed projects.
Directors Abbas-Mastan, who worked with Deepika in Race 2 endorse this: "Deepika is high on style, glamour and screen presence. Anushka is the perfect choice for bubbly roles." Besides, the Salman film would also help Anushka get even with Deepika after she lost Ayan Mukerji's Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani by a whisker.
While Anushka had been almost finalised for the role, the final push came from Deepika, whose history with Ranbir and renewed friendship ultimately got her role. When contacted, a source from the company that manages Deepika's portfolio rubbished all comparisons between her and Anushka.
"There is hardly any competition to Deepika. Remember, she is the one who's got Ram Leela and Yeh Jawaani. Not Anushka." When asked about how Deepika has been sending feelers to Nadiadwala, the source shot back: "What's wrong with that?" That Deepika has been 'proactive' in scooping up plum roles is grist for gossip.
In fact a leading actress, who had refused a project which went to Deepike recently made a catty remark while speaking to this newspaper off the record: "She (Deepika) is good at grabbing projects. Wonder why no one notices it."
While this hectic backroom negotiation often goes unreported, Anushka could not help but take a pot shot at the seemingly fragile Deepika who had taken ill due to exhaustion.
In an interview to TOI (November 5), when faced with the question about her being anorexic, Anushka had shot back: "Have I ever landed up in hospitals saying I am exhausted? I am a very fit girl." This came just three months after their close encounter at Ayan Mukerji's party. "The girls came face-to-face but literally looked through each other. Thankfully, Anushka left the party in a few minutes..." recalls a guest present at the September 29 bash.
The frosty vibes date back to the summer war between the two over some endorsement deals as well. In June this year Anuskha had slashed her endorsement fee from Rs 4 crore to Rs 3 crore to grab a two-wheeler deal, which was first offered to Deepika.
In September, Deepika retaliated by signing on a rival two-wheeler brand. Earlier, Deepika had similarly lost out a hair-care product deal to Anushka. Filmmaker Pradeep Sarkar, who has shot several ad campaigns with Deepika, said: "I have worked with Deepika, who had dominated the modelling scene for a long time.
But with Anushka's explosive entry, she is definitely giving Deepika a bit of a run for her money." And when all else may be forgiven, Anushka, say sources, may be still smarting over the pace with which Ranveer has moved on. That he is seriously dating Deepika, his co-star in Ram Leela is stuff of general knowledge.
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