by Subhash K Jha

I've no qualms about admitting I'm 32," says Aishwarya Rai, who celebrated her birthday couple of days back. "What's the big deal? I feel like I'm 18 to 88, depending on the given day and my state of mind. The infamous giggle comes in when I feel 18," giggles the actress.

Currently in Slovakia, stunning Ash definitely feels 18. "It's been such a wonderful, wonderful birthday. Last night, the whole unit of my film (The Last Legion) brought in my birthday; Since it coincides with Diwali this year, I feel doubly special. They had put up a banner saying "Happy Diwali, Aishwarya". And then arranged for the most awesome fireworks display. I have to admit this is one birthday I'm not likely to forget easily."

But for now, she's in complete birthday mode. "The party was so special, so carefully prepared.

Everyone from the unit, including my co-stars Colin Firth and Ben Kingsley, were there. It was meant to be a surprise, and honest to God, I didn't know a thing about it. I love surprises — I hope life has many more in store for me," she laughs.

Aishwarya has just about wrapped up the shooting of The Last Legion. "Just a few more days to go, and then I'm back home. Gawd, how I miss my family! It isn't so much because of my birthday that I want to be with my family. It's Diwali; everyone wants to be home for the festival.

Even my mother isn't with me in Slovakia, because of Diwali. You know, the last couple of years I managed to be home for Diwali, so I was looking forward to it again. But my schedules don't allow me the luxury of doing what I crave."

After she wraps up Legion, in about a week, Aishwarya comes straight to Mumbai for Dhoom 2. "Umrao Jaan starts in December; we shoot that in Rajasthan. I know what miracles J P (Dutta) saab has worked in Rajasthan, in Ghulami and Batwara. I'm really looking forward to it.

As for Dhoom 2, it will be great fun, I know. It's the first time I'll be working with Hrithik.... We've come THIS close to working together a couple of times before; now, it's finally happening."

Then, the actress gets a wee bit homesick. "How's Mumbai? How's everyone in the industry? I haven't spoken to any person from the industry since I got here." All we can say is, poor Vivek!