Since the 90's, Afsana Mimi has been a beloved presence on screen as well as in theatre. She has appeared in numerous TV plays, and has turned to direction in the last few years. Today is the star's birthday, and she shares plans of her special day with The Daily Star. Excerpts:

 “I was born at Holy Family Hospital on December 20, 1968. In 1984, when I was a college student, my mother took me to the place I was born for a visit. Before we set off, she bought toys for the children at the hospital. When we arrived, she showed me the room where I was taken to after I was delivered. Thus we began the tradition, as mother and daughter, of going back to the same place every year on this day, taking gifts for the newborn babies, and mingling with the staff on duty. It is something I continue to do to this day, and parents of the newborn babies are unaware of the person behind the mysterious presents for their children. I will most certainly be there again today, sharing my special day with others that arrive into the world on my birthday.”

“My maternal grandparents' home is in a village within Bagerhat district, and as a child, every December we used to travel to visit them. I would have vacations from school then, and we would celebrate my birthday together. On the day, my friends in the area, maternal uncles and aunts would bring me cake. That is something I can never forget, nor relive again. I used to receive a lot of books as presents, and that remains my favourite gift to this day.”

 “I am against pomp and lavish celebrations; I only desire to be truly happy, and I endeavor to prepare myself for another year of new projects and challenges. But that isn't to say I have never celebrated at all. One year, Suborna Mostafa and Alamgir threw me a surprise birthday bash at my office. I arrived to find everything dark, and when the lights came back on, suddenly everyone leapt up cheering and wishing me, and I found all my friends and other loved ones there. That is a day I hold very dear to my heart.”