This birthday was different, I was a bit shaken

Actress Monika Khanna, who was last seen in Durga Aur Charu on television, recently celebrated her birthday (7th August) in a low-key manner. Initially she did not want any celebrations since she lost her father just 3 months back and is still in a lot of pain. Talking about that Monika says, "This birthday, I was a bit shaken. It was really difficult for me since I was thinking of my father every moment. But a few close friends of mine told me that if I celebrate my birthday, my father would be happier. And I will do anything to make him happy. It was a low-key birthday - I just cut the cake at midnight and nothing much. Then I took my mother out for dinner.”

Talking about her birthday ritual, Monika says, "We have been taught to take the blessings of the almighty and parents and I did the same. I went to the temple and told my mother this is going to be a hard birthday but I am not going to cry. So I took blessings from my mother and I know my father’s blessings are always there for me.”

About the most memorable birthday, Monika says, "A memorable birthday for me is when I am with the right people. There are people who are your constants and that matters most to me. I used to be a completely different girl during my teenage days where I wanted to celebrate my birthday on a large scale. I have changed now and understand it's more peaceful and satisfying when you are with the right people.”