EXCLUSIVE: Genelia Deshmukh talks about her birthday plans and sharing her birthday with Kajol: "We tell each other, 'Happy Birthday for the 5th'"; shares adorable story behind her unique name: "Genelia is a mixture of my mother and father's name"

Everyone who followed Indian cinema in the 2000s has, at some point, been charmed by Genelia Deshmukh. She made her debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam, became a beloved star down South, and won hearts all over again in Bollywood with the much-loved Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Her recent release, Sitaare Zameen Par, which hit theatres just a month and a half ago, marked her big return to Hindi cinema and it has turned out to be a box office success. But the good news doesn’t stop there. Fans are thrilled that she has signed several exciting projects and will be lighting up the big screen more frequently over the next two years. As she celebrates her birthday today, August 5, Genelia spoke exclusively to Bollywood Hungama about it and her childhood memories. What makes a conversation with her truly special is her infectious, child-like enthusiasm and the genuine warmth she brings to every word.

What are your plans for your birthday? There are no plans as such. I just finished a schedule with Ramu sir (Ram Gopal Varma) right now for a film co-starring Manoj Bajpayee. I am heading back now to Mumbai. So, I guess it’ll be a quiet day. Also, Ritiesh (Riteish Deshmukh) isn’t in town.

How do your children celebrate your birthday? My kids are really cute as they make cards, which is very special. I love that they still take effort to make them. I don’t know until how long it’ll continue, but they make it a mission for that day! They like to plan dinner or lunch and that’s what we do. I guess just being with people who love you and whom you love makes a lot of difference.

Would you like to share childhood birthday memories? My mother celebrated my birthday every year. I remember all my friends would come home for my birthday party. There would be 30-40 children in the bash and my mom would cook the entire spread for that many kids alone! At that time, I didn’t even appreciate her effort. But today, when you think about it, you realize that more than the effort, it was the thought that mattered the most. I feel I had the best time celebrating my birthdays (at that time).

 

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As per Wikipedia, your name is a combination of a part of your parents’ names… Yes. My name is a mixture of my mother's and father’s names. My mom’s name is Jeanette, while my dad’s name is Neil. Initially, when they joined the two names, the result was Geneil! But then they thought of ending the word with a little bit of ‘ya’. That’s how they made my name, Genelia.

That’s so cool… Yes, it is. Kudos to their creativity (laughs). There was a time when I used to ask my mother what my name meant because I saw that everyone had a meaning to their name. But she would simply tell me, ‘It means that you are going to be unique’. I guess, well done with that thought (laughs).

You share your birthday with Kajol. Does she know about it? She’s someone I have admired while growing up. I remember the first time I realized that we share the same birthday, I felt even more special as an actor because she’s a fabulous performer (laughs). Of course, you can’t expect to be born on the same day and expect to be Kajol. And she knows that my birthday falls on August 5. Whenever we meet now, we tell each other, ‘Happy Birthday for the 5th’ (laughs)!

August 5 is a landmark day for Indian Cinema. Two of the greatest films of our film industry – Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Mughal-E-Azam – were also released on August 5… Yeah. I feel every day is special. But I like that you’re giving me some attention. So, I’ll take it (laughs).

Any message for your fans on your birthday? They are overjoyed to see you returning with multiple films… I am excited about getting back to work and doing what my directors feel that I am capable of doing. As for my well-wishers, I don’t think that I could be anywhere without them. It’s really touching to know that my characters from films across languages like Aditi (Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na), Shravani (Ved; Marathi film), Hasini (Santosh Subramaniam; Tamil film), Harini (Boys; Tamil film), Ayesha (Urumi; Malayalam film), Veda (Satya In Love; Kannada film), etc. found a place in their hearts. That kind of love stays with me and it's heartwarming to know that I matter. Also, when it’s not you screaming it loud, it feels even more special (smiles).

Also Read: Genelia Deshmukh on her comeback after 13 years in Sitaare Zameen Par; says, “I thought people would forget me”

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