“Kareena is the in-house heroine at ‘Dharma'” – Karan Johar : Bollywood News

Katrina Kaif may have impressed Karan Johar in a big way with her 'Chikni Chameli' [Agneepath] act but the filmmaker insists that when it comes to the first choice of a leading lady, it is Kareena Kapoor who holds fort. With an association that has continued right from the days of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to as recent as Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, it seems like pretty much for the keeps if declaration made by Karan is any indication.

"Kareena is the numero uno heroine in Bollywood today and the very fact that she and Karan are extremely close for years means that no one can take her place as yet", says a Bollywood insider, "After a brief fallout that happened between them post Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham that led to Preity Zinta bagging Kal Ho Na Ho, things have been better than ever between Kareena and Karan. Though Karan is yet to direct her again, Kareena has obliged by stepping in as a leading lady in his other productions like Kurbaan, We Are Family and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu."

“Kareena is the in-house heroine at ‘Dharma'” – Karan Johar

While one waits to see when does Karan direct Kareena again, everyone at Dharma Productions is quite clear that regardless of the director, it is Kareena who stays on to be the first choice as a heroine.

When contacted, Karan didn't deny the information either. He said, "Kareena is the in-house heroine for us. Period. Everyone at Dharma Productions is pretty much in sync around that and that was the case with Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu as well. Whether it is director Shakun Batra or his co-writer Ayesha Devitre, everyone wrote the film keeping Kareena in mind."

Explaining further logic around her being roped in for films being made at his production house, especially Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Karan said, "In any case when it comes to her, the role has to be really interesting, meaty and challenging. That is the case here as well and I can say that as the fun element in the film, she has come up with one of her most solid performances till date."

He adds, "I always believe that it is very difficult to do conversational films. When there is drama, dialogues and background music, it gives an actor enough padding to perform. However a set up like Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, it becomes quite difficult and you need a great actor. Kareena just fits the bill."

Flattered, Kareena?

Check out the video: