Birthdays are often about cake, candles, and celebration — but for actor Manraj Singh Sharma, this year is about slowing down and finding joy in meaningful moments. The actor, who will be seen as Harshvardhan in Tumm Se Tumm Tak, produced by Studio LSD, is choosing to step away from the hustle and spend his special day surrounded by his loved ones.
Sharing his plans for the special day, Manraj says, “My birthday plans are very simple this year. I’m keeping it low-key and stepping out of Mumbai with my family. With time, I’ve realised that spending time with your loved ones is the most valuable gift.”
The actor, known for his vibrant energy on-screen, admits he once celebrated birthdays with elaborate parties and large guest lists. “I used to throw big parties and go all out — inviting a lot of people. But slowly, I started cutting it down. I realised that when you throw a party, it’s more for others to enjoy. You just end up hosting everyone. Since it’s your special day, you should make it special for yourself. Keeping it simple helps you actually relax.”
He adds thoughtfully, “I believe your friends should plan something for you on your birthday, not the other way around. Because if you’re planning everything, your entire day just gets consumed in that.”
Work has always been a meaningful part of his life, and Manraj reveals he usually enjoys being on set even on his birthday. “I love working on my birthday. But this year there was no shoot scheduled, so I made a plan with my family instead.”
When asked about the best gift he could ask for, Manraj says, “The biggest gift for me is the presence of people who truly love, respect, and admire you. As you grow older, you realise that friends who stand by you in tough times are your real treasure. That kind of emotional support is the true gift.”
A self-proclaimed movie buff, Manraj shared, “Last night I took my friends to watch the F1 movie. Also the new Superman film is releasing on my birthday, so watching that with my closest people and chilling is definitely on the cards!”
And if he had to gift himself something intangible? “It would be more time and more freedom to spend with my family and loved ones. No amount of time ever feels enough. And another thing would be just to remain in a good mental space — that’s something we often take for granted.”
