/> Arjun Rampal who has lately been doing some very unusual characters, has stuck a rather unorthodox deal with Shah Rukh Khan. According to sources SRK has convinced Arjun to play the main antagonist in the films that he, Shah Rukh, produces.

Says a source, "It started with Om Shanti Om where Arjun played the cheesy producer who kills Deepika Padukone and SRK. Arjun was rightly hesitant about doing the negative role. But SRK persuaded Arjun to trust his judgement.

Now in Ra.One again Arjun agred to play the ‘virtual' villain. And SRK has promised Arjun's character in Ra. One the kind of buildup until release that so far only the hero (ahem ahem, Shah Rukh) got in Red Chillies production. "

The plan was to let Arjun's character come into the public eye gradually.

Says a source, "There was a certain amount of concern regarding Arjun's missing presence in the publicity. But Shah Rukh and Arjun had the villain's look, projection and publicity worked out in complete detail. Arjun knew his time would start after Dussehra.

Says Arjun, "That was always the strategy. To reveal my character after Dussehra when traditionally Raavan/ Ra. One is vanquished. "

Arjun says he had no trepidations about being left out of the publicity. "Shah Rukh and I have discussed how my character would be introduced to the public. I play the title role and we both knew what a challenge it was for me. "

Explains Arjun, "Since I played a villain from the virtual world my character couldn't convey any emotions. I had to appear absolutely expression-less on screen. It wasn't easy. "