If it’s your birthday today, you already have enough reasons to celebrate.
We bring you a few extra reasons to feel special today, with a list of the famous personalities you share your birthday with.
Woody Allen
Born Allan Stewart Konigsberg, Woody Allen is a one of master directors of Hollywood. Often touted to be part of the ‘New Hollywood’ wave of filmmakers in the 1960s-70s, Allen has a repertoire of over 50 films under his name, ranging across the spectrum from slapstick comedy to hardcore drama.
Allen started of as a comedy writer penning scripts for television and writing compilations of short humor pieces.
He was directing films by mid 1960s, often time starring in his films. Some of his best films include ‘Annie Hall’, ‘Hannah and Her Sister’, ‘The Purple Rose of Cairo’ and ‘Match Point’, among others.
Allen has won many awards and accolades in his five-decade long career, including four Academy Awards and nine BAFTAs.
Pablo Escobar
Often called the ‘King of Cocaine’ in his time, Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord and narcotics terrorist. Over 80 percent of drugs smuggled into the United States in the 70s and 80s came from his cartel, making him one of the richest men in the world at his prime.
Escobar started out as a lowly their, selling fake lottery tickets and stealing motor vehicles. In the 70s, he got involved with drug lords, holding people for ransom before he began to distribute himself. His drug cartel was infamously named the Medellin Cartel and was often involved in murders and massacres of even politicians.
In 1982, he was made a member of the Chamber of Representatives of Colombia as part of the Liberal Alternative movement. He was shot dead a day after his 44th birthday, by the Colombian Police.
Medha Patkar
The face of the ‘Narmada Bachao Andolan’, Medha Patkar is a social activist voicing the socio-political concerns of the Adivasis, Dalits, farmers and women of India. An alumnus of TISS, Patkar is the founder of the Narmada Bachao Andolan that has its roots across three states- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
In addition, she is also the founder of the National Alliance of People’s Movement (NAPM)which is an alliance of several movements.
Patkar’s work predominantly challenges casteism, communalism and other kinds of discrimination. Under the NAPM, she has filed several PILs against Adarsh society, Lavasa Megacity, Hiranandani(Powai) and as well as other builders.
Mohammad Kaif
Cricketer Mohammad Kaif made it to the Indian National Cricket Team based on the prowess displayed during his stint with the U-19 team. A two-down batsman during his time, Kaif was considered a fast runner between the wickets.
Also an excellent fielder, Kaif’s favoured spot was at the covers, which enabled him several direct hits at the stumps.
In 2006, Kaif was dropped from the ODI and Test squad,and has since remained quite active in the domestic circles. He enjoyed a brief career with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, when he was bought after the third round of bidding.
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