Edging out top contender Diana Penty, model turned actress Karishma Kotak has lapped up the role of the female lead opposite Salman Khan in Sohail Khan’s upcoming film <em>Mental</em>, earlier titled <em>Radhe</em>. It is said that Salman Khan played a key role in selecting Karishma for the lead role. Said a source, “Salman has had a good equation with Kotak ever since he shot a TV commercial with her last year. In fact, the star also advocated for her inclusion in <em>Bigg Boss 6</em>. He believes that the model can give a strong performance.”