The man considered to be one of the greatest talents India has ever produced in the field of movie direction is celebrating his birthday today – 2nd June. Every single actor and technician in India who wants to make it big has an enduring desire to be part of this director's team.

Listen to Mani Ratnam Birthday Special on raaga.com

Mani Ratnam's first movie 'Pallavi Anupallavi' was made in Kannada and brought to light the emotional struggles of a man in love with a woman older than himself. Though the movie did not do well at the box office, the movie was successful in garnering a Karnataka state award. Many critics felt at that time that the movie was much ahead of its time. But there was no stopping Mani Ratnam.

He went on to make a string of movies in Tamil that rocked audiences with what was to be later called 'the Mani Ratnam style'. 'Mouna Ragaam' is the story about a woman who is ever so passionate about her love life before marriage that she cannot come to terms with her marriage with a groom of her parents' choice. Then came 'Nayagan', starring Kamal Haasan. The dark story of a helpless and homeless boy who goes on to become the undisputed don of the underworld. The movie won such rave reviews worldwide and a feather in the cap of Mani Ratnam's career is the fact that 'Nayagan' has made it to the top 100 of Time Magazine's All Time Greatest movies.

Then came 'Agni Natchathiram' and 'Anjali' which were huge box office successes. 'Dalapathi' saw superstar Rajinikanth join hands with the ace director. The success was unimaginable.

Mani Ratnam's 'Roja' and 'Bombay' captured national attention and Mani Ratnam had become a household name all over India.

'Alaipayuthey' rocked South India with its smooth screenplay and slick direction big time. The story of a boy and girl getting married secretly and living their lives with their respective families as though nothing had happened became the object of fascination among young minds. Passion overflowing in abundance among the central characters showed sparks of Mani Ratnam's understanding of youthful exhuberance.

His latest flick 'Guru' with Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai was critically acclaimed and went on to be a huge money grosser. Industry sources suggest that the team is coming together for another movie.

The Tamil version of the film is to feature Vikram in the place of Abhishek Bachchan. Prithviraj has been assigned to play the villain. Though a popular hero, he has the experience of playing the baddie in the film 'Kanaa Kandaen'.

With the best technicians in the industry and his inimitable style of story telling, Mani Ratnam is indeed a huge asset to the world of cinema and let's all hope this ace director goes on to make many more absorbing film as the years roll on.

The Indiaglitz team wishes Mani Ratnam a very happy birthday!