Peter Gene Hernandez aka Bruno Mars will celebrate his 30th birthday on 8 October, 2015 (Thursday). Popularly known as fedora-wearing, ex-Elvis impersonator, this Grammy award-winning singer has had an interesting career and journey from Honolulu, Hawaii (his birthplace) to Los Angeles, to his credit.

Let's celebrate the pop singer's birthday by indulging in some interesting facts, checking out rare photos and dancing to the best of Bruno Mars.

CLICK HERE to view rare photos of "Locked Out of Heaven" singer

On his birthday, we list out some interesting facts about this very popular pop singer, who has got the world swaying to his tunes.

  • While growing up, he was nicknamed "Little Elvis" and did shows around the island.
  • Bruno comes from a musical family. His mother is a hula dancer and his father is a percussionist. When he was 4 years old, Bruno joined his family's band "The Love Notes" and performed with them five days a week.
  • While at Roosevelt High School, he and friends formed a band called "The School Boys". And this boosted his confidence to become a stage performer.
  • When Bruno was 15 years old, he had a crush on his teacher. He gave her a love letter with his mums ring, which he had stolen from her. The teacher obviously, informed his mother, and returned her ring.
  • Bruno's sisters have their own musical group, The Lylas, and are expected to have their own reality television show about the recording of their debut album.
  • Once his career took off, Bruno launched his all-male band, The Hooligans, comprising guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboardist, and horn players. They serve also as dancers and background singers.
  • It took three years for his manager to convince Atlantic Records to sign him.
  • While performing, Mars requests only for two items when he's back stage --- wet wipes and a bottle of wine.
  • He is tattoo crazy and loves what he's got on his body. He currently has four which includes his mother name (Bernadette) over a heart, the words "Pete's Boy" in homage to his father, a ship's anchor on his right forearm and an image of a gypsy on his left forearm for good luck.
  • Bruno was arrested for cocaine possession (2.6 grams) in Las Vegas in 2010. He pleaded guilty but the charge has been wiped from his record after completing some community service.
  • His favourite colour is red and maroon. And his favourite food is Chicken Adobo, the national dish of the Philippines.

Celebrate Bruno Mars by grooving to some of his best songs. Here's a list of 10 of his biggest hits.

1) Uptown Funk

2) Grenade

3) When I Was Your Man

4) The Lazy Song

5) Marry You

6) Locked Out of Heaven

7) Treasure

8) Just the Way You Are

9) Billionaire

10) Young, Wild & Free