This year the hypnotic Hema Malini is not here to spend her birthday with loved ones. But the versatile actress, who turned 57 Sunday, doesn't feel older.

"I don't feel older," she confesses on the eve of her birthday.

"But I do feel that one more year of my life has gone by. Now I need to do a lot of things that I haven't already done. Sure, I'm a dancer, actress, mother and a politician. But I feel I need to do more...much more," Hema told on telephone from Frankfurt.

"And when someone tells me I look a lot younger, I do feel good. Which woman doesn't like to be complimented about her looks?

"I've the resources, the power and the energy to make things happen. I need to exercise my power in many other areas. Thank God, I'm healthy. Otherwise none of my dreams would stand a chance," sighs the erstwhile dream girl.

From Frankfurt she proceeds to Geneva where she brings in her birthday.

"I miss my family. But I've so many obligations. I'm going to be in Geneva for the International Parliament Union summit where I'll be hobnobbing with Asian parliamentarians. That's what I mean by new experiences coming into my life all the time."

She returns here Oct 21. "Until then, I guess I'll just have to continue missing home. What to do? No one gets all that he/she wants. To you I may look like a very contented woman. But even I have my share of sadness. Yes, sometimes I do feel lonely."

Hema seems to get better with each passing year.

"I suppose my dancing and various professional activities keep me fit. I'd never want to sit at home worrying about my daughter's career. Though she consults me on all-important decisions, Esha is a big girl now. Both my daughters can take care of themselves. I've lots of time to do all that I want."

Acting assignments? "Only 'Babul' at the moment, where I'm there only to be part of the 'Baghban' team."