Katrina Kaif, after going back and forth several times, had finally decided to decline Ayaan Mukerji’s offer to star in his next film opposite Ranbir Kapoor (Mumbai Mirror, 30 July 2011).

While ‘date problems’ and ‘pending projects’ were the major reasons cited for her refusal of the offer, the industry is abuzz with rumours of Salman Khan being the one person behind his ex-girlfriend’s decision.

Katrina, who is busy with Salman starrer Ek Tha Tiger and Yash Chopra’s next directorial venture opposite Shah Rukh Khan was apparently asked by Salman to opt out of Ayaan’s next project with Dharma.

Katrina Kaif is in more demand than ever, the actress has several films in her kitty, giving her the power to pick and choose her films, but what happens when she rejects an offer from a big Bollywood producer?

Last year the 27 year old actress walked up to filmmaker Karan Johar because she wanted to be cast as a leading lady in the sequel to Dostana, however there wasn’t much Karan could do at this point, as he was waiting on the film’s director, Tarun Mansukhani to finalize the script first.

Thereafter, Katrina Kaif tried her luck in buddy Ayan Mukerjee’s next venture to be produced by the Dharma Production banner, starring good friend Ranbir Kapoor.

Now for the latest, if sources are to be believed, during the time when Katrina Kaif was approached to star in Yash Chopra’s next directorial venture opposite Shahrukh Khan, she noticed some date clashes with Ayan’s film, so as a result Katrina Kaif has now refused Dharma Productions amazing offer.

Sources add, ‘Kat has clearly played favorites and this has reportedly not gone down well with some at Dharma.’

Do you think it’s fair for Katrina Kaif to ditch one film for the other?

Even though their relationship no longer exists, it looks like Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are still not done with each other.

After signing up for Ek Tha Tiger, Katrina also agreed to do an item number in Salman’s ‘Bodyguard’. Now sources say that the couple will again be seen together in Rensil D’Silva’s next which is produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.

Even though Katrina and Karan are good friends, the two never got an opportunity to work together anytime in the past. It is learnt that initially Katrina was not able to give dates to Karan when he had approached her for the sequel of ‘Dostana’ and Avan Mukherji’ next. But later on Kat could finally work things out between the two.

“It doesn’t matter whether I am in Karan’s film now or later, or never. He’s a dear friend and I really enjoy his company,” said the actress.

Salman, with his recent successes at the box office like ‘Dabangg’ and ‘Ready’ has now moved on to become one of the most bankable and busy stars.

The movie is said to go on floors early next year.

Rumours suggest that Ayan Mukerji has signed Katrina Kaif opposite his best friend Ranbir Kapoor in his next film under Dharma Productions.

According to a source, Katrina and Ranbir have been frequenting Ayan’s residence in Santacruz. Even as Ranbir got busy shooting in Kashmir for Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar, the source says that Katrina has been catching up with Ayan quite regularly.

So, don’t be surprised if this hot couple features in yet another film together.