It’s the start of a new year - a new decade according to many - and it’s also the birthday of the beautiful and elegant Vidya Balan - thirty-one years old today.

Kerala-born Vidya made a stunning debut in Parineeta and has since impressed in movies such.

As Lage Raho Munnabhai, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Guru, Kismat Konnection and most recently with the Bachchans in Paa.

How has Vidya been preparing for her birthday? “Spending a lot of quiet time, quality time with loved ones and focussing.

On the new year with renewed energy and positive thinking,” she says, “I’m thrilled at the response I got for Paa. It feels good and I’m raring to go at 2010.”