Big B to celebrate his 67th b'day with family, friends

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan turns 67 on Sunday and the Big B of Bollywood will celebrate the birthday at home with his family and a few close friends - politician Amar Singh, industrialist Anil Ambani and his wife Tina.

Son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan drove from the location of Mani Ratnam's film Ravana to bring in the family patriach's birthday. Big B would have it no other way.

"I shall be with my family in the night to bring in my birthday. Abhishek and Aishwarya shall drive down from location to be with me," Bachchan told IANS.

Amitabh's close friend Amar Singh has already arrived from Delhi for the occasion.

"Amar Singhji is here already and Anil and Tina Ambani and Aishwarya's parents Krishnarajji and Vrindaji will join me. That is it. I am happy when family gets together. On the 11th, I shall be at home and perhaps a quiet family dinner will follow," he said.

That apart, Amitabh insists the birthday would be just another day.

"Yes, another day, another year. I am grateful and feel blessed that it means something special for those around me. The almighty and the prayers of my loved ones and those of the millions that have supported me are to be thanked. It is because of them that I breathe and exist," he said.

Looking back, the mega star said he has no thoughts on the year that has gone by.

"I really have no recollection of what went by. I know what I am doing now. Age does have this adverse effect on one and I am no different from any other. It may seem power-packed for you but for me it is just another day, another job. I endeavour to do what is assigned to me to the best of my ability," Amitabh said.

His birthday thoughts are more about the world around him than himself.

"I wish, much like all else, for there to be peace and harmony. For humans to understand that we are all one and that we all have common characteristics. To understand that all faiths need to be respected, for none of them are different in their beliefs. That we are one nation, united by our independence and our sovereignty. That a kind word and a smile never did harm anyone."