"What else explains the sheer variety of films and co-stars that would be enjoying next year", comments an observer, "She is working with senior superstars like Rajnikanth and Shah Rukh Khan, has a film ready for release with Saif Ali Khan, is already shooting for a film each with Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, and is expected to pair up with Ranbir (again) and also Emraan Hashmi in 2013."

There is a valid reason for her to keep her options open and look for a different bunch of stars (or emerging superstars) instead of chasing the Khans.

"Aamir does one film in two-three years. Shah Rukh doesn't repeat his heroines in quick succession (the reason why she is not in 'Happy New Year', at least as yet, while with Salman, all his decisions are based on how he may feel on a particular morning", quips a source, "She is happy continuing her hit partnership with Saif Ali Khan, let bygones be bygones with Ranbir and make sure that her not-so-obvious and unconventional pairing with Emraan and Ranveer pays off in the mass circuits."

Moreover, it doesn't hurt when the ones backing her are the likes of Karan Johar, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ekta Kapoor and Abbas-Mustan. Each of them is rooting for her and next year would decide that how far does she end up proving to be a challenge to Kareena and Katrina for the top slot.