Actress Tanya Sharma, who turned 21 on Tuesday, celebrated her birthday by spending time with the poor and teaching them English.

Tanya, who is currently seen as Meera in popular soap opera "Saath Nibhana Saathiya", visited an academy in Mumbai where poor children are given free education.

"I wanted to do something special on my 21st birthday. So I decided to celebrate it with unfortunate ones, who only need love. I visited this small academy here. I got emotional when I saw kids there," Tanya said in a statement.

"I payed with them and gifted the kids some books, school bags, tiffin and pencil boxes. Also I became their English teacher for the day," Tanya added.

Apart from the visit, Tanya is also planning to throw a party for her "Saath Nibhana Saathiya" co-stars.

The show, aired on Star Plus, also features Devoleena Bhattacharjee and Rupal Patel.