Athiya celebrates birthday with furry friends

Athiya Shetty turns a year older on November 5. This year, she plans to whisk away for a quick getaway to spend the day with her gang of girlfriends. But before that, today, she intends to visit an animal shelter as she is really fond of animals.

Athiya says, “I absolutely love animals. They teach us how to love unconditionally. I visit an NGO every year, on my birthday. But this year I decided to spend time with animals, and see what I can do to help their lives in whatever way I can. Since I’m travelling, I will visit the animal shelter a day prior to my birthday. More than anything, animals just make me happy and peaceful.”

So does she have any birthday ritual? “There are no rituals. I just like spending time with my loved ones, my family and close friends. You just need to give me good food,

I love growing older. I feel like you’re closer to discovering who you really are as a person. ATHIYA SHETTY, ACTOR

and I’m happy,” says the actor.

Talking about her fondest birthday memoires, Athiya says, “Spending time with my grandfather has to be my fondest memory. It’s the first year I’m celebrating without him, so it feels empty. I’m turning 25 this year, but I love growing older. I feel like you’re closer to discovering who you really are as a person.

About her most memorable gift that she has ever received, she says, “It’s not a particular gift, or anything materialistic. It’s what I do that day; I think my most memorable birthday would have to be my seventh birthday — it was a sangeet-themed birthday party. People thought I was nuts, but I was obsessed with song and dance.”