Rani couldn’t be feeling better. Her favourite ‘Amit Uncle’ resumed shooting a day before her birthday, which fell on Tuesday (March 21). “It was almost like a pre-birthday gift. To have Amit Uncle back on the sets with us?it was such a wonderful moment for all of us,” Rani gets emotional.

“Actually, I shot till 11:30 pm with Karan, Shah Rukh and Amit Uncle. It’s such a coincidence. But I seem to be shooting with Karan Johar for all my birthdays. During Kuch Kuch Hota Hai I did that shot where I come as a ghost, during my birthday. Then I was again with Karan for K3G on my birthday. This year after we wrapped up Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna for the day, I brought in my birthday with my parents who’re now staying at the Holiday Inn since our home is being renovated. We were all there ? my brother, bhabhi, parents and naani who has come all the way from Calcutta. I cut a cake and brought in my birthday. There’s no better way for me to spend my birthday than being with my family. Then I came back in the night and spent the whole day answering phonecalls and messages for my birthday ? don’t ask me how many there were. I’m amazed at how many people love me and wish me well. I’m so touched by the whole experience. I hope I continue being loved for many many birthdays to come.”

The thought of having shot with Amitabh Bachchan as a birthday treat brings a smile on her face. “And then there were other gifts?my mom gave me a typical Bong sone ka kadaa. But the best gift came from Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He has given me a role in his new film, Saawariya! Last year, he had given me Black. I hope I’ll continue to be part of everything he does, even if it is just as assistant on his set or something. He came to Yash Raj studios yesterday. To see him prepare for Saawariya takes me back to Black.”

Rani’s birthday thoughts? “I want to remain the way I’ve always been. I’m a family girl. I want to continue looking after my parents to the best of my abilities. I want to bring a smile to as many faces as possible. Star channel gave me a truly wonderful birthday gift. They took me to celebrate my birthday with the deaf and the blind. The amount of love I got from these people on my birthday was unbelievable. They made it my most memorable birthday ever.”

“And listen,” she whispers as a parting shot. “My most cuddly birthday gift is yet to come. I can hardly wait to hold my bhabhi’s baby in my arms. No feeling in the world can equal the touch of baby in your hands.”

Subhash K. Jha