Then, unfortunately, the films that followed KNPH flopped -- Yaadein, Aap Mujhe Achche Lagne Lage, Na Tum Jaane Na Hum, Mujhse Dosti Karoge and Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon. Critics nicknamed him the 'one-film wonder.'

Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham clicked but Hrithik did not get any credit for its success.

And that's when Rakesh Roshan's Koi… Mil Gaya bailed him out again. The film became one of the year's biggest blockbusters. The actor played a mentally challenged boy so convincingly that his fan following tripled overnight.

Watch out for him in Lakshya, Farhan Akhtar's second film after Dil Chahta Hai.

Text: Ronjita Kulkarni

Complete coverage: Koi… Mil Gaya