After a long break from the Bollywood limelight, Anil Kapoor had a huge success with Welcome. And what better day to celebrate his success than his birthday? Although he doesn't usually celebrate his birthday in a big way, preferring to spend it with his family and friends, this time he wanted to share his happiness with his fans as well.

Says Anil, "I'm very grateful to all my fans and those who enjoyed watching Welcome. I'd also like to thank you all on behalf of Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar , Feroz sahab, Firoze Nadiadwala, Anees Bazmee, Katrina and Mallika Sherawat ”

The biggest birthday present for Anil this year was probably the fact that Welcome was so well received. Maybe that's why he celebrated his birthday differently this year. "This is a special day that I am giving you an interview on my birthday!" he says, "And honestly, I feel very happy doing this. I don't know why I never did this earlier! Why was I being so shy? It's a great way of sharing my happiness with all the people watching this show."

Anil usually runs on a tight schedule, and he even follows this on his birthday. "I become more energetic, more enthusiastic about it. And on those days I specially see to it that I work."

This energetic actor feels that the roles he plays are close to his heart, whether it is Mr. India or Lakhan from Ram-Lakhan. Now, even his role of Majnu bhai in Welcome is very dear to him.

Well, 2007 was a pleasant year for the star in more ways than one, what with daughter, Sonam, making a grand debut with Saawariya. Let’s wait and watch what 2008 has in the offing for this star who has two big banner films, Race and Yuvraj, in his kitt