/> It's a well-known fact that Mani Ratnam likes to shoot in complete isolation and at a stretch without any interruption.

But when it comes to humanitarian matters Mani just melts.

So when the maverick movie maker came to know that it was Aishwarya's father Krishnaraj Rai's 70th birthday on Thursday he quickly gave his leading lady the consent to zip back to Mumbai to be with her ailing dad on this special day.

Says a source, "Although Aishwarya has been her thoroughly professional self throughout the time when her father has been undergoing treatment for a serious sickness her heart has been in Mumbai with her father. When Mani heard it was her father's birthday he let her go without a second thought."

Frail but stable, Krishnaraj Rai got the surprise of his life when his daughter showed up on Thursday for a very special family reunion on his 70th birthday.

Says the source, "It's exactly what he wanted. To be with his closest ones. There was no party because he couldn't take it. Only the immediate family. And of course the in-laws Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan who were expected to drop in to wish Mr Rai."

Son-in-law Abhishek was expected to fly in on Thursday. But couldn't do so.

"I'd love to be there because Aishwarya's parents are not my in-laws. They're a second set of parents that God has blessed me with. Unfortunately, much as I tried I can't get away from here even for a few hours, " Abhishek said from the jungles of Cochin.

Aishwarya also took the opportunity to fulfil a long-standing commitment for an endorsement before flying back to Cochin to resume shooting.

But she clearly wanted to make her father's 70th birthday a happy occasion for him. And she did.

Here's wishing her dad many many more birthdays.And a daughter like Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan for all fathers.