As the world tunes up to welcome the New Year on Jan 1, Bollywood sensation Vidya Balan gets ready to celebrate her 33rd birthday on the very date.

Significantly, Jan 1 also marks the birthday of actor Nana Patekar and Sonali Bendre. Nana will turn 60 on Jan 1, while Sonali will celebrate her 36th birthday.

Here are some trivia about the gorgeous actor, Vidya Balan, as she prepares to rejoice the all important day in her life.

Vidya attracted the attention of her fans right from her first B-town movie ‘Parineeta', but interestingly Vidya, who potrayed a Bengali character in the movie, made her debut in a Bengali film named ‘Bhaalo Theko' in 2003.

Vidya had also worked in multiple advertisements which included the Surf Excel (a particular detergent powder brand) advertisement where she had made her debut as a model in 1998.

She also featured in a music album of popular Hindi band ‘Euphoria' besides working in well known tele vision serials like ‘Hum Paanch'.

It is said that it was during a concert in Mumbai where she was spotted and approached by film maker Vidhu Vinod Chopra for playing the lead role in the film ‘Parineeta'.

The actor, who dazzles the screen both with her beauty as well as her powerful acting, had to go through 40 screen tests and 17 make-up shoots before she was finally chosen for the lead role in the film.

Since then Vidya has established herself as a brilliant actor, dominating both in commercial as well as off-beat films like ‘Ishqiya'.

In 2011, Vidya will be seen teaming up with Rani Mukherjee as both will be seen in the much talked about movie based on the murder of Jessica Lall - ‘No One Killed Jessica', where she will be seen portraying the character of Sabrina Lall (Jessica's sister).

She will also be showcasing a de-glamed look in the film.