On his birthday, Mani Ratnam always likes to keep a low profile and somehow, we don't see him coming out and giving interviews, even though he knows he is important. It's his personal choice, but what does he really stand for?

As a film enthusiast, you can find a way to narrate your story without having to resort to gimmicks. He gives you options to tell stories without leaving the reality aside.

As a film writer or director, he helps you find a cinematic expression that you always thought difficult to achieve.

As a narrator, you can see how images talk more than words. You have endless number of shots to decode, dissect and talk about.

As a regular person, you can just understand that one thing is constant in life that is your emotion. You are driven by emotion and your choices may end up making or breaking you. Hence, control over them or at least understanding them is a must.

Finally, as a woman, you can just breathe life into yourself and be yourself.

His work of art like Mouna Ragam, Geethanjali, Nayakan, Thalapathy, Roja, Anjali, Bombay, Yuva, Alaipayuthey, Kannathil Muthamittal, Dil Se will always remain as teachers to future generations. Happy Birthday Guru-bhai!