For actress Vidya Balan, today is not just the first day of the new year. Today is also her birthday and Vidya brings in her 30th birthday today. It definitely calls for a round of applause and celebrations.

Vidya had been part of many commercials and music videos before she was launched by her mentor Pradeep Sarkar in Parineeta the year before. She combines within her persona, a lovely, sensitive face, and an equally sensitive actress. There was ample evidence of that in her first film. Post Parineeta, Vidya has not been seen in any role which requires the same intensity by her as seen in Parineeta. After her debut the actress was seen opposite Sanjay Dutt in Lage Raho Munnabhai, opposite Saif Ali Khan in Eklavya and then there was Heyy Baby and Bhool Bhulaiya opposite Akshay Kumar. In retrospect, the actress probably made a smart move in turning down Sarkar's Laaga Chunri Main Daag and opted for Sajid Khan's Heyy Baby instead. 2007 has also been a year of many link-ups for Vidya, specially regarding her relationship with Shahid Kapur. Following the break-up with long-time girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, Shahid apparently found a shoulder to cry on, in Vidya during the shooting of their film Kismet connection. 2008 gets off to a great start for Vidya, who has Raj Kumar Santoshi's Halla Bol set for release later this month. MovieTalkies wishes Vidya a very happy birthday and a very happy new year as well.