Saqib Saleem loves birthdays and often throws big parties on his special day. “But this will be my second birthday in a row spoiled by Coronavirus,” says the actor, who turns 33 today and admits he is a little heartbroken that he won’t be able to meet friends.

“I have forgotten what parties are like. My 30th birthday party seems a decade ago. But I don’t want to take any risks. Zinda rahe toh aur birthday honge. My mum is here with me, so she will make some yummy biryani. We will have a quiet celebration at home with the new normal of video calls and chats. Hopefully, next birthday, I might have a party and even then, I’ll ensure everyone gets their Covid vaccine certificates,” quips the Rangbaaz actor.

Saleem, who came to Mumbai from Delhi 10 years ago, admits he has changed. “I was a typical Delhi boy who loved to get into fights and rode my car with blaring music. But since I came to Mumbai, the brash Delhi boy has been replaced by one learning everyday. I’ve gone from strength to strength, be it my acting ability or as a person,” he says.

At 33, is marriage on his mind at all? “My mum asks me about shaadi everyday. I am finding new ways to avoid this question. One should never say never. Hopefully sometime,” he concludes.