Why's PRIYANKA so SHAH RUKH KHAN-struck?

Of late actress Priyanka Chopra has increasingly been spotted by the side of her Don 2 co-star Shah Rukh Khan at numerous events.

But while most would think that it's merely a bonding exercise for their forthcoming film, insiders insist that there's more to it than meets the eye. According to the buzz, apparently Chopra is latching on to the Khan merely because she hardly has any real friends among top stars left in the industry any more, especially when compared to her peers.

Sample this. Actor Salman Khan has been openly taking potshots at her ever since she burnt her bridges with him by turning down his offer to star in his film Main Aur Mrs Khanna, so a film with Salman is ruled out for the moment.

A film with actor Saif Ali Khan too seems unlikely as apparently Saif has been maintaining a safe distance from the actress ever since she dropped in unannounced on his sets and apparently upset Kareena who made her displeasure known to Saif.

A film with actor Akshay Kumar is unlikely too. PC's proximity with SRK may ruin her chances of her doing a film with SRK's frenemy actor Aamir Khan.

"Priyanka is trying too hard to be in Shah Rukh's good books, so she won't really be seen bonding with Aamir," said an insider.

Apparently actor Ranbir Kapoor too hasn't been as friendly with her on the sets of Barfee as he was during Anjaana Anjaani.

Looking back, this year didn't exactly start on a very good note for Chopra either. Right from her run in with the income tax department to her much-hyped Saat Khoon Maaf sinking at the BO.

Coupled with an apparent break-up with actor Shahid Kapoor, things only worsened. According to insiders, it was a traumatic phase for Chopra, who then took off on a vacation to the US. It was then that SRK stepped in.

"SRK has been her only support through all of this and has stood by her even dishing out relationship advice when it came to Shahid. Priyanka obviously looks up to him not only as a co-star, but also as a friend. She is only trying to show where her loyalty lies," adds an insider.

But there are industrywallahs who insist that it's only a phase, saying, "PC is a strong actor in her own right. She doesn't need a name to bank on and has enough films to look forward to, so why would she need to turn to any actor to assert her star power. Besides, it's a two-way benefical thing. Afterall, it doesn't hurt SRK to have one more actor on his side too."