As Nikita Anand, who played a sweet bubbly college student in Prakash Jha's 'Dil, Dosti Etc', celebrates her birthday on November 24, she is also gearing up for a special year ahead.

The ex-Miss India will turn a new leaf in her career this year, as she portrays shades of grey in Partho Ghosh's next film 'Ek Second – Jo Zindagi Badal De' with established actors like Manisha Koirala and Jackie Shroff giving her company.

The actress will also be seen in Nileish Malhotra's 'Monopoly – The Game of Money' where her role is inspired by Bond girl Eva Green's character of 'Casino Royale'. The film has been shot in Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi Island in Malaysia, and stars Vinod Khanna's nephew Karan Khanna opposite Nikita.

"The coming year is going to be an important and challenging one for me. Wish me luck. I have my fingers crossed, " she says with a smile. Let's see if Nikita manages to turn out with flying colours in her new ventures. On our part, we wish her a very happy birthday and yes, lots of luck.