Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who is known more for his way with words than his politics, is also noted for his vast fan base.

Just a glance at his Twitter timeline is enough to gauge his immense popularity with voters and youths.

Tharoor, who turned 62 today, got the opportunity to celebrate his birthday in a unique way.

The crew of Air India surprised the suave MP with a birthday cake. Elated by the sweet gesture of the crew, Tharoor heaped praises on the airliner in a tweet today.

Tharoor ended his tweet by endorsing Air India saying, "If you must fly on your birthday, fly Air India!"

Tharoor's tweet soon went viral with many wishing him and raving about the gesture by the airliner. However, some tweets were distasteful as they pointed out at the privileges doled out to MPs and netas but not to the common man.

THAROOR'S LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH AIR TRAVEL

While one may be impressed with the adulation of the MP on Air India, not long ago the former Under Secretary General of the United Nation for Communications and Public Information got into a verbal duel with Twitterati and politicians alike over his disparaging tweet on the economy class.

Sometime in 2009, Tharoor had tweeted that he was prepared to travel in the 'cattle class out of solidarity with all our holy cows'. His comments invited scathing criticism from his party men and from across the political spectrum.

The flurry of criticism eventually abated after Tharoor posted an apology. "It's a silly expression, but means no disrespect to economy travelers; only to airlines for herding us in like cattle. Many have misunderstood," Tharoor tweeted.

"Now (I) realise, I should not assume people will appreciate humour. And you should not give those who would willfully distort your words an opportunity," he later added.

His comments were termed unacceptable and totally insensitive by the Congress.