In 1997, Bobby starred in ', a suspense thriller directed by Rajiv Rai, considered his breakthrough role. Cast alongside Manisha Koirala, Kajol, Paresh Rawal, Om Puri and Raj Babbar, Bobby played the role of Sahil, a young man accused of murdering his stepfather over an engagement proposal and wrongly imprisoned. He escapes and tracks down the real killer. ' was highly acclaimed for its storyline and soundtrack and was a commercial success. In the same year, Bobby appeared in "Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya", alongside Aishwarya Rai in her debut Bollywood role. The film failed to do well at the box office.