By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Randeep Hooda had an unexpected birthday gift last Sunday. Thousands of prisoners of the Thane Central Jail sang "Happy Birthday" to the actor.

"It was most touching and most moving. I can't think of a better gift... unless Angelina Jolie popped out of a cake. Jokes aside, I was deeply moved. My director Vishram Sawant and I were shooting the end-portions of 'Risk' in the prison, when they got to know that it was my birthday they all sang for me. I don't know of anyone else who has got this gift. Ain't I a lucky sod?"

On the night before (Aug 19) Randeep ushered in his 30th birthday. "With lots of good friends, chocolate cake, my saxophone. I had myself a great time. All the people who matter to me were there with me. Can't think of a better way to ring in my birthday."

So how does it feel to be 30?

"Scary, man! I can no longer say I'm pushing 30 or I'm in my late 20s. My youth is gone! I feel like I'm born again at 30. I think a new phase of my life has begun this birthday. I've just finished work on one film, and going into the next. I've never felt happier, more at peace with myself."