/> For Rajiv 30 isn't just a number.

He's feeling maturer, more responsible on his birthday today (Oct 16).

"I realize I'm entering a whole new phase in my life. The time for fun and games is over. I need to take serious career decisions. Perhaps pursue my aspirations on the large screen more seriously, give more time to myself."

Marriage? Rajiv chuckles. "Are you kidding? I can't even think of marriage. I'm too selfish a person to entertain a spouse in my private space. Most people are hugely selfish. I'm honest enough to admit it. My private space is my tomb of meditation. I can't have anyone else entering it."

In the same breath Rajiv admits he brought in his birthday last night with his "best friend" Amna Sharif. "Of course! That's the way she wanted it...and I wanted it too. We wanted to be together for my birthday. But that doesn't mean we're romantically involved. She's my best friend. And best friends seldom become marriage partners."

Besides dinner with the beautiful Ms Sharif, Rajiv got another unexpected gift for his birthday.

At the MTV Lycra awards on Saturday night Rajiv won the award for the most stylish host. "That came as a very pleasant surprise. Because the game show Deal Ya No Deal which I hosted on Sony Entertainment closed down.

The fact that I was noticed on show that wasn't so successful makes me happy. What makes me happier is that I was accused of being high-handed demanding and arrogant during the show. I feel I've been vindicated. "

Rajiv will spend the entire day today interacting with fans who wish to greet him on his birthday. "Star One has opened up a phone line just for the day. I'll be on the phone talking to my fans who want to talk to me on my birthday. I can't think of a better way of bringing in my birthday."