Newbie Diana Penty is making her presence felt. HerCocktail is yet to be released but she is pretty much turning out to be one of the most promising newcomers even though only one half of the year has gone by. So much so that now she is competing with the likes of Parineeti Chopra and Nargis Fakhri to be in contention for Sajid Nadiadwala’s next film that launches Tiger Shroff.

“Casting for Tiger’s debut film is currently on and there is a slot still open for the leading lady. Sajid along with director Sabbir Khan had kept their options open though it was a given that it would be a fresh face opposite Tiger”, informs our source, “It could have been a rank newcomer or someone really new but the first choice was to go with someone who hadn’t been exposed much.”

While Nargis Fakhri was being considered for the role, Parineeti Chopra turned out to be a strong contender as well, especially after Ishaqzaade.

“Both have entirely different personality though that gave the makers an opportunity to play around the characterisation. However, it had to be on either extreme. Now with Diana turning out to be quite a revelation and inside reports indicating that she has come up with a cracker of a performance in Cocktail, she is being looked at rather seriously”, the source continues.

What further helps the cause is her good mix of ‘desi’ and ‘videshi’ looks that seem to have enticed Sajid as well as Sabbir.

“As such Sajid has never launched a girl in a career lasting over two decades. He has always worked with experienced leading ladies. For that matter he hasn’t launched a hero either though Tiger is an exception. It won’t be surprising if Diana makes the cut”, adds a close associate.

However, what could go in Parineeti’s favour is the fact that her Ishaqzaade co-star Arjun Kapoor is already finalised for Sajid’s 2 States. With some stroke of luck, she too could be finding her way into the camp as well. Will that indeed happen? Watch this space.