But 2009 saw Katz upsurge Bebo by giving two super hits — New York and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. And one average runner De Dana Dan. She also won every popularity poll — be it the sexiest Asian woman or the most desirable girl etc.

Of course, the invincible Bebo bounced back. Kareena who lost ground with Kambakht Ishq, Kurbaan and Main Aur Mrs Khanna socked Katz a solid blow when she landed the biggest Bollywood hit of all time — 3 Idiots. She also features on all the award nomination lists.

“As we see it today it is hard to choose between Kareena and Katrina,” says trade analyst Taran Adarsh. “They’re both neck-to-neck. People here respect talent (Kareena Kapoor) but they also give a lot of importance to Friday numbers (Katrina Kaif). To put in a film fashion, yahan hit hai toh fit hai,” says the trade guru.

Now the distance between the No.1 and 2 girls is becoming asphyxiating says a film producer. He adds, “I have signed Katrina for my film... but it could well have been Kareena. However since the hero is Ranbir, I was forced to take Katz. To me both are equal at this point.” Trade sources say Katz’s advantage at this point is that she makes a super team with Ranbir Kapoor who is a hot favourite.

However, what Kareena has is that she is the darling of the Khans. Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Aamir Khan have given her their unstinted support in 2010. She is likely to team up with the other hottie Imran Khan, too. If Katz has Imtiaz Ali on her side, Bebo has Karan Johar on hers. “Even the endorsements that these two actresses are doing are highly interchangeable. If one has the size zero (Bebo) advantage, the other one has the Barbie Doll (Katz) image in her favour,” says the producer. So give or take — whatever they may say — the distance between Katz and Kareena is too close for comfort.