Vidya Balan's homely birthday bash...

Private janamdin

Although it was a 'two-in-one' celebration, the Balan babe whose birthday falls on New Year Day, was in no mood to step out of her house that night for partying.

"No, its not that I am a snob, nor am I scared of being mobbed. It's just that late-night partying is just not my cup of tea. Every year I have this same routine of celebrating my janamdin and the naya saal with only my family and close friends," clarifies the model-actress.

Early morning person

Did she receive birthday greetings or gifts from her co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt and John Abraham? "Honestly speaking I don't think they were even aware that it was my birthday.

So they did not call up. But my Parineeta co-star Raima Sen did wish me on the next day. There were dozens of SMSes from my non-filmi well-wishers. But I am cool with it," she insists.

Vidya, who is an ardent classical and fusion music buff says, "Instead of late-night parties I love to attend early morning 'live' concerts of eminent classical singers and musicians. That gives me a high," she smiles.

Year's releases

So what's in store for the dainty Lolita of Parineeta in 2006? "This year I will have three releases — Eklavya (opposite Saif), Munnabhai Meets Mahatma (with Sanjay Dutt) and Salaam-e-Ishq (John Abraham)."

Talks are on with various leading filmmakers, but I am not in a tearing hurry. Doing dignified roles with scope for performance is my forte. But I am willing to experiment with versatile lead characters that are exciting enough," says Vidya.