Deepika, Aishwarya - who will play female lead in 'Robot'?

Media is abuzz with reports that director Shankar is very keen to sign up Deepika Padukone for his sci-fi "Robot" opposite Tamil superstar Rajnikant.The second name doing the rounds is that of 35-year-old Aisharwya Rai, whose historical romance "Jodhaa-Akbar" is releasing in February. However, sceptics feel that neither Deepika nor Aisharwya will accept the offer because both the actresses prefer to work with Mani Ratnam.Even for Shankar's earlier venture "Sivaji: The Boss", the rumour mill had predicted Aisharwya would play the female lead opposite Rajnikant, but finally low-profile Shriya Sharan was roped in. After teaming up with the star in hit flick "Sivaji...", Shankar last week announced that he will repeat the 57-year-old actor in "Robot" and that A.R. Rahman will compose the music.