John Abraham celebrating a quite birthday

Seems like a birthday (December 17) is all that John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh have in common. While Riteish brought in his 30th birthday with a grand bash at the J W Marriott last night, John Abraham spent his 33rd birthday quietly with his family and friends. Last year girlfriend Bipasha Basu had said, “The celebrations will be like every year — quiet and simple, just the way John likes it. He doesn"t like crowds, noise or celebrations."

A source close to John says, "On Friday, John celebrated his birthday with 200 children at the Happy Home and School for the Blind in Worli. The lady who runs the home, Meher, is a Bharat Ratna awardee and John was truly impressed with the school. The children cut a cake for him and sang Happy Birthday. John was so moved that he had tears in his eyes." John"s friend adds, “John is the brand ambassador for Fast Track eye wear and they both decided that they should do something special for the children before John's birthday. On Friday, John gifted specially designed glasses for the visually-impaired to all the 200 children. Apart from singing for him they also gave him a greeting card in braille, which they read out to him."

When quizzed, John is surprised. “How did you find out? I am not comfortable talking about such experiences but yes, I was moved. It was my most special birthday. These children are more self-sufficient and independent than us."

Nothing special planned

Yesterday, John spent the day shooting for the Mumbai Marathon event with his photographer brother, Alan. “Alan"s shooting my campaign," John says. So is John going to celebrate his birthday with a bang? John says, “I have never had grand birthdays. As a child I always celebrated another friend"s birthday, which fell on the same day. I"ve always had quiet birthdays with mom, dad, Alan and me with a plum cake baked by mom. There"s nothing special fixed."

John has just three small wishes for 2008, “I want three brilliant films that are meaningful, fun and unpretentious."

Looking back on 2007, John says he doesn"t have any regrets. “Life goes on and I am thankful to God for where I am today. Though I am happy with what I have achieved, I still have a long way. I am happy with Goal. The kids enjoyed it and that"s my audience. It"s important to do films that make them happy."

What"s the gift he craves for? John laughs, “I want three bike models that I"m craving for right now. I want a black Hayabusa 2008, Ninja ZX14 and a Triumph Rocket. If I tell you their prices no one will gift them to me," he grins.

Wish John on his birthday