Every year, Maniesh Paul looks forward to his birthday for a very special reason — handwritten notes from his loved ones. The actor-host, who turns 42 today, shares, “My mum writes a letter to me on my birthday every year and that has been the most precious gift. And now, my kids — Saisha (12) and Yuvann (7) — do it, too. I feel so special reading what they write... like I am the best father!”

While his kids have learnt this from their grandmother, Paul credits his wife, Sanyukta, for ensuring the ritual is carried forward. “She makes the effort and pushes our children to write something nice every year. Gifts toh koi bhi de sakta hai, but aise personalised letters sab nahin dete,” the actor, seen recently in Rafuchakkar, gushes.

Handwritten notes, Paul adds, have always had a special place in his heart: “I have a collection of around 200 letters. Sanyukta once got a book made for me, which had letters from all my friends. Not just that, she got me letters from my school teachers and principal, too!”

While Paul admits that the childlike excitement around birthdays isn’t there anymore, he says his kids make up for it. “My family is always very excited. Every year, they do something special, and I sense something this time, too. I have been told not to go to certain rooms and not open any parcels if they arrive!” he quips.