"During this phase, I got great movies like Dhadkan, Hera Pheri, Khakee, Ajnabee, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, and a few more upcoming films I really like. I don't think I want to do the typical hero-hero thing anymore. My role in Khakee was originally written for Paresh Rawal, but I liked the character and Rajkumar Santoshi had faith in me. If you observe it carefully, you'll realise it isn't a hero role. The heroine character was later adjusted to it.
Aitraaz is about two females: one who wants to destroy my character, and the second who wants to help me. It's based on a real life story. I play a guy working in a mobile company who leaves for work at 9 in the morning and is home by 5, but all of a sudden his smooth life is disrupted by a storm. His boss's wife accuses him of rape!
Now, it is but obvious that if any woman claims such a thing, people will trust her and not the man. This happens with me and nobody believes me other than my wife. And this trust helps my character in his life. This has been the most difficult and important role in my life, because its not an action film: I don't get to hit anyone!
I have performed like a common man. If something like this happens to you, you'd react in the same way. In this movie your hero falls to his knees and even cries in despair; he is weakened, and his wife holds his hand, supports him and helps him out."