Aishwarya: I am in a very happy phase

'I have always worked in movies and didn't even feel the timeout. I have always been advertising, facing cameras, going to the studios. It's going to be busy year, I will have a lot of work, personally and professionally.'

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan gets ready for another exciting year ahead.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan looked gorgeous as ever as she turned 41 on November 1. The actress invited the media over at her home to celebrate her birthday.

While everyone sang Happy birthday for her, Ash cut her birthday cake.

"I would like to thank you personally for your wishes and singing so beautifully for me," Aishwarya said. "Thank you for the lovely messages. I have not been able to reply to everyone yet, but thank you so much. Through you, the members of the media, I would like to thank all my well wishers for all their good wishes and blessings on my birthday."

Aishwarya then took questions from the media:

How did you spend your day?

I spent my day with my family, my loved ones, my daughter and my husband Abhishek after a really long time. All of you have been meeting him more often than me, with all the publicity and promotion of his movie, Happy New Year.

Last night, my friends and family were at home and they brought in my birthday. It was a very long night. I haven’t slept at all, because Aaradhya wakes early in the morning and my schedule has to continue like everyday.

You looking more beautiful as years pass. What’s the secret?

Thank you. I am in a very happy phase, and you all have been nice to me.

I think with each passing day, you find your calm even on a hectic day. I think that's showing.

Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday is on November 2; is he having a birthday party?

Yes, Shah Rukh and Gauri have decided to have his birthday celebrations tonight. They are also celebrating the success of their film, Happy New Year. Abhishek has received such appreciation for the film. As his wife, I am obviously very, very pleased for him.

Your thoughts on turning 41.

No thoughts. I just live each day for what it is. This will always be my answer.

Even when I turned 21, I was asked this question and my answer was pretty much the same. I am thankful to God for such a blessed life. You all have met me from the time I was 19 and I am still interacting with you, with gusto!

Any special wish you asked for this year?

I never do. I never go to temples to ask God for something. I mean well for everybody and pray for everybody’s happiness but never ask for anything for myself.

We heard Abhishek has got a special present for you.

We never talk about gifts and presents, and that has not defined our relationship either.

Does your daughter Aaradhya understand it's your birthday today?

Oh yes! She understand better with every passing year. Last year, it was all about singing Happy Birthday for me. That continues with more clarity now. In October and November, there are so many birthdays. She knows it's my birthday today, as lots of flowers and bouquets have been coming. She was particularly happy with a huge bouquet with balloons! She knows that her birthday is coming too (on November 16).

What have you planned for Aaradhya's birthday?

I've been planning her birthday everyday, including today. On her first birthday, I was very clear that it should be celebrated just family and grandparents because it is necessary to recognise the relationships and spent time.

Last year was her second birthday. It was huge! I invited everybody we know and their kids! It was like a wedding. This year I will make it a mix of both. I may not invite too many people, it will be an intimate affair.

Tell us about your film Jazbaa.

Yes, now I have something valid to talk about since last two years, all I said was that I was discussing scripts. But all mothers would agree with me when I say that we don't understand time passing by. I love investing time with Aaradhya. Time has really flown by!

(Director) Sanjay Gupta wanted to start work in December but I preferred January as I wanted to prepare and plan for the role. It's a very interesting team coming together. I have okayed a few more films but I will announce them with those directors.

You have been away for a long time and Jazbaa seems like a comeback film.

I have always worked in movies and didn't even feel the timeout. I have always been advertising, facing cameras, going to the studios. But yes, I have been very excited to tell a story on celluloid. It's going to be busy year, I will have a lot of work, personally and professionally. I never felt I took any break.

Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar