The great divide between SRK and Rani

They were the best of friends before and sizzled on the silver screen many times with their memorable performances and on-screen chemistry.

But now, reliable sources say, Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji's relationship has gone sour.

It was Kuch Kuch Hota Hai which saw Rani being paired with SRK for the first time. The film not only became a roaring box office hit but also received critical acclaim. Rani and SRK's chemistry, along with his and Kajol's, was praised heavily. When Kajol married Ajay Devgan and shied away from doing films, SRK and Rani's partnership really started.

SRK was making Chalte Chalte and he cast Rani opposite him fuelling strong rumours that he had dropped Aishwarya Rai who had already bagged the role. It was widely reported that Salman Khan was responsible for this development as he had supposedly visited the sets of Chalte Chalte and created a huge scene there.

The film saw SRK and Rani bond big time and their chemistry was hugely applauded. Since then they have been a part of many hits like Veer Zaara, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna and India's nomination to the Oscars, Paheli. More than just co-actors, Rani and Shah Rukh became very good friends.

Industry sources say the reason behind SRK and Rani's fallout is again Salman with whom Rani has bonded big time. Shah Rukh was not amused when his friend Rani participated in Salman's hit television show Dus Ka Dum.

"Rani has been friends with both Salman and Shah Rukh for a very long time. But things between the two Khans are not fine and people in the industry are certainly facing the heat. After Rani appeared in Salman's game show, things between Rani and SRK are certainly not fine," a source says.

Rani, it has been reported, has also bowed out of SRK's Temptations Reloaded tour and she has cited date problems to be the reason behind her decision. She was earlier quoted as saying that she was disappointed hearing about the brawl between SRK and Salman.