Aishwarya is sponsoring midday meals for 1000 underprivileged children

The 44-year-old actress has launched a new charity campaign for underprivileged children.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan turned 44 with a quiet celebration with the family on Tuesday evening, followed by a visit to the Siddhivinayak temple with her mother Brinda Rai and daughter Aaradhya the next morning. The private gettogether was attended by in-laws, Amitabh and Jaya and husband Abhishek. There was a spread of Aishwarya's favourite treats and a ceremonious cake-cutting. Aaradhya had a birthday card tucked under her sleeve, while Sr Bachchan had written a special letter for his bahu.

The actress who is expected to start shooting for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming musical drama, Fanney Khan, alongside Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, next week, announced a new initiative under the Aishwarya Rai Foundation on her special day. "She is sponsoring midday meals for 1000 underprivileged children for the next one year, a spokesperson on behalf of Annamrita and ISKON Food Relief Foundation who are co-ordinating the charity, told Mirror.

Shweta Bachchan who was filming with bestie Karan Johar for the second season of BFFs, a chat show on Colors Infinity featuring Neha Dhupia as the host, had informed the team that she had to leave early. During the course of the shoot when Neha informed her that there was another segment remaining, she urged her to wrap it up quickly. "I have to attend a birthday celebration at home, she is reported to have said. Karan and Shweta were leaving for Shah Rukh Khan's 52nd birthday bash at his Alibaug farmhouse around noon on Wednesday and as soon as the last shot was taken, she rushed home.