Every year, his quiet birthday dinners eventually turn into a party. But this time, actor Neil Nitin Mukesh will ring in his special day with just his close relatives and friends.

“The biggest celebration this year would be of keeping good health and staying close to family,” he continues, “Some close relatives and friends might come over, but the celebration will be low key, following guidelines. Because of papa (singer Nitin Mukesh), we are not entertaining a lot of people. He’s diabetic and above 70 years of age, so we are taking precautions. In fact, work wise, papa and I haven’t picked up much, deliberately. We want to wait a little longer.”

The one who’ll make the most of his birthday, the actor says, is his daughter, Nurvi. “For her, every cake that comes to our house is her birthday. She loves blowing the candles,” he adds.

Busy with writing and pre-production of two films and a web series for his production house, Neil, who turns 39 today, says they’re eager to be back on set soon. “Both our films are thrillers. I’ve finished the final draft of one and the second draft of the other. The web series is ready,” he says, adding that he may act in one of them, while the other would have a “much bigger star”.

Talking about the offers coming his way, he says, “I’ve not received as many offers in the last two years as I did in the last eight months. But, it’s always about quality. Every day I read about a new film and I’m like, ‘Oh God, I should start soon’, but I also look at the pros and cons of associating with the right project.”

The Saaho (2019) actor goes on to say that he’s waiting for his share of “fantastic films”. “There’s no insecurity. I’m getting web offers too, but if it’s my debut, I’ll take up something worth every bite,” says Neil, who has also recorded his debut single. “Coming from a family of two generations of massive names as far as singing is concerned, I don’t want to make a mockery out of it,” he signs off.