Lara Dutta, Priyanka in Don 2

Mumbai: Lara Dutta plays Shah Rukh Khan's moll in Don 2, the role Eesha Koppikhar  played in the original. Meanwhile,  Priyanka Chopra encores the leading lady's role.

Icy winds blew across Germany's capital city the minute  Priyanka  landed. Says a source, "Lara was already there a week before Priyanka.

An insider reveals, "The two barely exchanged hellos with frosty smiles before directing their warmth to Shah Rukh and director Farhan Akhtar."

The two beauties have a history. They were crowned Miss World and Miss Universe the same year. They started their careers in Andaaz.

And though Lara (playing a grieving widow, if you please!) had the author-backed role, it was Priyanka who waltzed away with the stardom and the plum assignments with Akshay Kumar.

Ever since, Dutta has steered clear of offers to work with the actress. She was hesitant to sign on for Don 2.

It was only when Farhan assured her that her  role would be fleshed out that she agreed to be part of the film.

Also lead actor SRK, has a soft spot for Mahesh Bhupathi's new fiance ever since she agreed to act in his home production Billu a part every actress in town had refused.

Even without their past differences, things between them were never going to be easy. When any two actresses shoot together, there is always stress.

They worry about who has the better room, better fee, better clothes, better scenes... the list is endless.

Naturally, Priyanka was already wary, edgy and exhausted when she arrived in Berlin a week after her former friend and now fierce rival, had already gotten comfortable with the unit. Lara clearly has a headstart.

The fact that they have unequal roles, is reason enough for them to be suspicious of each other. One has been promised the "leading lady" part and the other, "an important role."

The insecurities have already surfaced with the two ladies choosing to remain in  their own corners for as long as possible.

Says a close friend of Priyanka, "To begin with,  their roles are unequal. If you see Esha Koppikhar's role in Don you'd know what Lara is playing."

Priyanka has had a very stressful ad shoot and dubbing, which had to be completed in two days. In addition, there was a section of the industry trying to demolish her performance in Anjaana Anjaani.
 
She left in a depressed frame of mind. The last thing she needs in Berlin is a stressful ambience."