Ash: Aaradhya sang Happy Birthday to me at midnight

Actors, these days, invite the media to their homes -- or, to be precise, their backyards -- on their birthdays, and talk about the year gone by, films, and such.

On her 40th birthday on November 1, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan decided to join in the trend, and invited the press to the Janak building, in the posh suburb of Juhu in Mumbai.

”I would like to say heartfelt thanks to all the members of the media who are here for singing Happy Birthday to me. That was really sweet," she cooed to the press.

“This is the first time on my birthday I am sharing a morning with you all. Thanks for the warm wishes. I am so happy that I have met you all and interacted with you.”

Click Next to see more.

She said that since her daughter Aaradhya was born two years ago, the scheduling of her day is different.

“There is that much more packed into the day. She sang Happy Birthday to me at midnight. Yes, she sleeps late like all of us... past midnight and so she was awake. That was the most special experience that I can ask for. She is really cute.

“I taught her. She learnt the song last month when she sang on Paa’s birthday. She first sang Happy birthday to Aaradhaya and then she said ‘Dada’. Now also she was singing Happy Birthday to herself and then she said ‘to my mamma’,” said the proud mother.

What special thing will she do on her birthday?

“For many years on my birthday, I do something special. My parents have taught me to do something special and meaningful on my birthday.

“I either physically interact with the social services that I am involved with or at least try and make a difference in some way.

“This year it has been looking after children with cancer, their chemotherapy and their recovery.

“I get lots of gifts, goodies, and bouquets on my birthday. I have told my fans to direct these to my foundation, the Aishwarya Rai Foundation. That money will make a big difference in the society.”

Asked what Abhishek’s gift to her was, she replied, “How can you ask such personal questions?” and added, “The biggest gift is that we have Aaradhya in our lives.”

Her in-laws gave her lots of blessings “and that means the world to me.”

The best gift she has got so far, she said in reply to a question, is “the gift of life which is what I thank my parents for every year. The first thing I do is call them up. More so after my marriage because you go away from your mother’s home. Even more so after I became a mother because you just become so emotional, more sensitive about appreciating this entire fact of life that my parents have given me.

“I thank them today from this public platform.”

On when she will return to acting, she said a lot of the filmmakers she has worked with are currently working on the releases of their films. “After that they will have some time.”

What are her plans for the year?

“I live each moment for what it is. I have always tried to make every day meaningful in my life. I never make resolutions and put down on paper how tomorrow will roll,” she replied.

Since Diwali and her birthday have come together, it will be a double celebration.

“I have told all my friends and relatives that this year my birthday celebration is our Diwali celebration. So there will be a big party at home. Today will be quiet with family and very close childhood friends.”

She said she has seen the new Dhoom 3 trailer and “it is fab, it’s a franchise all of us have thoroughly enjoyed. It definitely looks like a fun trip. I am really looking forward to it.”

Showbiz, she said, is her “natural calling”.

“I never thought of entering showbiz as no one from my maternal family has been involved in it. I come from a family where academics is important. I was a science student, but as life would have it, here I am.

“I thank god for the route he chose to bring me here. This is my natural calling. Today I am married in a home where the second generation is also in the film industry and contributing very passionately and very sincerely. We genuinely respect creative art.”

Family means a lot to her, she said. “Relationships are about what you give each other -- time, listening to each other…You have to nurture your relationships. My parents have been my dearest friends and everything to me in life.”

Which was the most special time in her life, she was asked.

“When I was expecting my baby. That will always be the special time in my life.”

She tries to spend Diwali with her family “but many times I have celebrated the birthday with my film family. That is different but it is fun.”