Akshay Kumar, who was shooting in Italy for Sajid Nadiadwala's House Full, flew back to Mumbai to celebrate his birthday.

"Akshay wanted to ring in his birthday with his family. He did not want to miss this at any cost, " said a source. What makes this year's birthday really special is that it is on the 9th day of the 9th month and the year being 2009, making it 09-09-09.

A friend of the actor said, "Akshay wanted to celebrate this special day with this family. He was missing them very much while shooting in Italy.

Sajid understood Akshay's feelings and saw to it that the shooting gets wrapped up in advance so that Akshay can fly down to Mumbai and celebrate his birthday with his family."

Back home wife Twinkle has planned a quite party for family and close friends. Here's wishing Akshay Kumar Happy Birthday and a long life.