Mumbai, Sep 6 (NationPress) Renowned actress Simi Garewal has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to her “special youngest friend”, Rakesh Roshan, who celebrated his 76th birthday on Saturday.

Simi took to Instagram to share a delightful snapshot of herself with Rakesh and Pinki Roshan.

Having collaborated with Rakesh in films such as “Hathkadi” and “Seema”, Simi expressed her affection by writing: “Dearest Guddu... my special oldest, I mean youngest (!) friend... wishing you a happy birthday!... & happy EVERYTHING!! @rakesh_roshan9.”

Simi is celebrated for her roles in classic Hindi films like Do Badan, Saathi (1968), Mera Naam Joker, Siddhartha, Karz, and Udeekaan. She also appeared in Bengali cinema, including Aranyer Din Ratri directed by Satyajit Ray and Padatik by Mrinal Sen. Additionally, she gained fame through her celebrity talk show, Rendezvous with Simi Garewal.

Rakesh's son, the superstar Hrithik, also shared a touching tribute on Instagram, posting nostalgic pictures of his father alongside his young self and from his debut film, “Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai”, released in 2000.

Hrithik referred to his dad as his “best teacher” and acknowledged Rakesh as the reason behind his resilience in facing life's challenges with grace and wisdom.

He conveyed: “Happy birthday to you papa. Thank you for building this resilience inside me. When life gets hard, it feels like home. Nothing can and nothing will shake the soldier in me. Over the years, I have learnt to see the opposite as well, and I know you have too. The discovery of worthiness within, the simplicity of just being, the collapse of external validation.”

Hrithik expressed that he now walks in balance like his father, stating: “Never complete, but no longer empty. I would have never reached this place of equanimity, this place of wisdom, without first traversing the hard path. Thank you for building that soldier in me. For being the best teacher one could ask for. I stand proud (and strong), cause I am your son. I love you.”