<p>Actor Upendra celebrated his 50th birthday on Wednesday at his house in Banashankari. It was also a day he launched his political party, Uttama Prajaakeeya Paksha.</p>.<p>Upendra’s wife Priyanka was the gracious host at the birthday bash as family and actors arrived to greet him.</p>.<p>Actor Avinash, music composer Guru Kiran, actors Sanjjanaa Galrani, Malavika Avinash, Ganesh, Raghu Mukherjee, Ragini Dwivedi and Tennis Krishna were among those visited Upendra for the bash. The party lit up when the birthday boy arrived. The guests were in splits as he began cracking jokes.</p>.<p>The celebrations began with the screening of a video of Upendra’s parents wishing him a happy birthday. Then came a dance performance.</p>.<p>An artist sketched out a portrait and gifted it to him. Metrolife asked the guests what advice they would offer to the actor-turned-politician. Here’s what they said.</p>.<h2>Tennis Krishna, Kannada actor and comedian</h2>.<p>“Upendra has been a dear friend from the beginning of his career. His popularity hasn’t changed him a bit. I hope to see him grow and reach greater heights.”</p>.<h2>Ragini Dwivedi, actress</h2>.<p>“Is there anything like age-reversing? (laughs). I think Uppi should have entered politics much earlier. Our state needs people like him. His ideologies and interests can bring about change. I feel lucky to have acted in two films with him. He gives positive vibes and can elevate anyone’s mood. Nobody is allowed to be sad around him. His ‘Om’ is my favourite film.”</p>.<h2>Gurukiran, music director</h2>.<p>“Upendra and I have been together since the beginning of our careers. No one can ignore his hard work. I am thrilled to have seen him grow to what he is today. I would like to dedicate the song ‘Mari kannu hori myage’ to Uppi.”</p>.<h2>Malavika Avinash, actor and BJP spokesperson</h2>.<p>“Age is just a number. Upendra is still a young man ready to provide for the needy. Priyanka is also a dear friend. They have contributed much to the state. I’m happy to know them.”</p>.<h2>Avinash, actor</h2>.<p>“Everybody knows what a star Upendra is. Words really can’t describe him. He is one of the best directors I’ve seen. His ideas and the way he channelises them leaves me amazed. ‘Om’ defines Uppi. It gave a new direction to Kannada films. Since the time he was working with Kashinath, he has retained his humility, and that’s what matters in any human being.”</p>
<p>Actor Upendra celebrated his 50th birthday on Wednesday at his house in Banashankari. It was also a day he launched his political party, Uttama Prajaakeeya Paksha.</p>.<p>Upendra’s wife Priyanka was the gracious host at the birthday bash as family and actors arrived to greet him.</p>.<p>Actor Avinash, music composer Guru Kiran, actors Sanjjanaa Galrani, Malavika Avinash, Ganesh, Raghu Mukherjee, Ragini Dwivedi and Tennis Krishna were among those visited Upendra for the bash. The party lit up when the birthday boy arrived. The guests were in splits as he began cracking jokes.</p>.<p>The celebrations began with the screening of a video of Upendra’s parents wishing him a happy birthday. Then came a dance performance.</p>.<p>An artist sketched out a portrait and gifted it to him. Metrolife asked the guests what advice they would offer to the actor-turned-politician. Here’s what they said.</p>.<h2>Tennis Krishna, Kannada actor and comedian</h2>.<p>“Upendra has been a dear friend from the beginning of his career. His popularity hasn’t changed him a bit. I hope to see him grow and reach greater heights.”</p>.<h2>Ragini Dwivedi, actress</h2>.<p>“Is there anything like age-reversing? (laughs). I think Uppi should have entered politics much earlier. Our state needs people like him. His ideologies and interests can bring about change. I feel lucky to have acted in two films with him. He gives positive vibes and can elevate anyone’s mood. Nobody is allowed to be sad around him. His ‘Om’ is my favourite film.”</p>.<h2>Gurukiran, music director</h2>.<p>“Upendra and I have been together since the beginning of our careers. No one can ignore his hard work. I am thrilled to have seen him grow to what he is today. I would like to dedicate the song ‘Mari kannu hori myage’ to Uppi.”</p>.<h2>Malavika Avinash, actor and BJP spokesperson</h2>.<p>“Age is just a number. Upendra is still a young man ready to provide for the needy. Priyanka is also a dear friend. They have contributed much to the state. I’m happy to know them.”</p>.<h2>Avinash, actor</h2>.<p>“Everybody knows what a star Upendra is. Words really can’t describe him. He is one of the best directors I’ve seen. His ideas and the way he channelises them leaves me amazed. ‘Om’ defines Uppi. It gave a new direction to Kannada films. Since the time he was working with Kashinath, he has retained his humility, and that’s what matters in any human being.”</p>