Mumbai, Dec 24 (IANS): He may have touched the last of his 50s on Thursday, but actor Anil Kapoor is the "youngest veteran" of Bollywood, say his friends and colleagues from the Hindi film industry.

His celebrity friends have described him as a great and a thorough gentleman.

Celebrities like Karan Johar, Anupam Kher and Farah Khan among many took to Twitter to wish the veteran actor a year full of love, happiness and good luck.

Anil, whose career spanned over two decades, made his debut with the film Umesh Mehra's 1979 "Hamare Tumhare" in a small role.

The actor gained recognition with films like "Tezaab", "Beta", "Woh Saat Din" "Meri Jung", "Janbaaz" "Karma" and "Mr. India".

Anil made his international debut in Danny Boyle's Academy Award-winning film "Slumdog Millionaire" and was also a part of Hollywood actor Tom Cruise-starrer " Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol".

He was last seen on screen in Anees Bazmee's "Welcome Back".

Here's what B-Town celebs had to say about him:

Anupam Kher: 'A best friend is like a four leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.' Happy birthday @AnilKapoor. #Inspiration.

Karan Johar: The youngest veteran and a thorough gentleman!!! My first friend in the industry!!!! Love him always!! @AnilKapoor...happy birthday!!

Farah Khan: Happy birthday to the man who's obviously drinking...From the fountain of youth!! @AnilKapoor papaji tussi great ho (You are great).

Riteish Deshmukh: Happy birthday to the man who is the fountain of youth @AnilKapoor @TheFarahKhan.

Milap Zaveri: Happy birthday to my hero @AnilKapoor Wish you all the love and success in the world! You are a rockstar!

Ritesh Sidhwani: Happy birthday to the one and only @AnilKapoor you never ask how old areyou...For him you it’s How young are you today sir?? Loads of happiness and love.