Producer Sajid Nadiadwala can breathe easy. His buddy Salman Khan, who doesn't forgive or forget betrayals easily, has apparently made it clear to Nadiadwala that he holds no grudges about Shah Rukh Khan's stellar role-acquisition in the Nadiadwala domain ufffd the title role in the Vishal Bhardwaj-directed adaptation of Chetan Bhagat's 2 States.

Nadiadwala's escape route from the deadlock was quite simple. It was Bhardwaj who wanted to cast SRK in 2 States.

Says a source, "Sajid kept Salman in the loop throughout his talks with Shah Rukh and Vishal. There was no attempt or need to hide this casting which would've otherwise incensed Salman, for the simple reason that it was the director's decision to cast Shah Rukh. Vishal was very clear that he would have complete freedom in every decision about the project. And Sajid let Salman know that he was not going to interfere as a producer in any aspect of Vishal's film. That pacified Salman."

However, it looks like Nadiadwala has found a middle path. The other significant development is the speed at which the Hindi remake of Telugu action-blockbuster Kick, starring Sallu is being put together. Kick, being produced by Nadiadwala may just go on floors first.

Confirms a source, "Sajid will make sure that Kick goes on the floors first, before 2 States. That's the pre-condition Sajid has set so that he doesn't feel he has betrayed his friend." The strategy seems to have worked. Salman invited Nadiadwala to be part of his family birthday celebrations in Dubai.