As the well-known versatile artist R Parthiepan celebrates his birthday, Galatta.com brings you the lesser known faces of this amazing person:

• Debut award: Parthiepan received the National Award for Best Feature Film for his directorial debut – Pudhiya Paadhai. Following father’s footsteps, his daughter who played the role of young girl in Kannathil Muthamittal won the National Award for Best Child Artiste in her acting debut. Parthiepan's latest release is Naaanum Rowdy Thaan in which appeared in a negative role. The actor made a brilliant come back with his suave performance!

• Actor-Director: He has acted in all his directorial ventures. The critically acclaimed 2014 hit Kadhai Thiraikadai Vasanam Iyakkam is the first movie directed by him, which did not feature him as an actor. Also did you know that the super hit film Nanban, a remake of 3 Idiots was supposed to be originally directed by Parthiepan? He also wanted to cast Suriya for the role of Aamir Khan but since the producers were simultaneously in talks with director Shankar, Parthiepan opted out of the remake.

• The love for writing: Not just a refined actor or a skillful director, Parthiepan is also a fantastic writer who loves to write poems in Tamil. His Twitter feed will be a visual treat to those who love Kavidhai and it came as no surprise when Kalaignar Karunanithi released his book Kirukkalgal – Tamizh Kavidhai Thoguppu (compilations of Tamil poems). Parthiepan is now working on his next book titled Chumma.

• Humanity: Being humane is indeed an associated quality for him, as he runs a charitable trust called R.Parthiepan Manithaney Mandhiram.

• Socially conscious: Parthiepan is also a nature lover, inspired by Bharathiyar. He dreamt of cleaning up Cooum river and using it as natural manure for suburbs. He is also currently in talks with the Corporation of Chennai to fulfill his dream. Quite a socially aware person, isn’t he?

We once again wish this multi-faceted personality a very happy birthday and many more successful films ahead!