While doomsayers were busy writing epitaphs for this once heartthrob of the nation, Hrithik was busy planning a grand comeback. He has a couple of interesting films lined up: Sooraj Barjatya's Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, a new-age rehash of the Rajshri hit, Chitchor, and the E.T.-ish flick, Koi Mil Gaya, crafted by dad Rakesh Roshan. Hrithik, meanwhile, has maintained a low profile.

Main Prem ... is being touted as the film that just might change Hrithik's fortunes. Hrithik will be showcased in true filmi style: he gets to ride a horse, go snorkelling, sing a duet with good buddy Kareena in picturesque New Zealand and cross verbal swords with Abhishek Bachchan. By Rajshri standards, Main Prem... is lavish, shot on an astronomical budget. And considering the Barjatya genius chose to sign Hrithik over his lucky mascot Salman Khan, the onus is entirely on Hrithik to live upto Barjatya's 70 mm dreams. In Koi Mil Gaya, an expensive sci-fi shot in a lot of secrecy, Hrithik has a challenging role - a mentally challenged young man - and is pitted against Rekha.

Preity Zinta, his co-star in Koi Mil Gaya, says: "Hrithik is mindblowing in the film. The story revolves round his ability to communicate with an alien creature and he fits in the role like a dream. Imagine a Hrithik who has no fancy hairdo, sports glasses and looks like an overgrown school boy and still manages to steal scenes!" It's now or never for Hrithik.