Miley Cyrus is enjoying the "challenges" of being an actress.

The 'Hannah Montana' star - who celebrated her 16th birthday yesterday (11/23/08) - has grown up in the media spotlight because of her father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, but admits she has only recently realised the intensity of Hollywood.

She said: "Being famous is what I've grown up with - being around my father who's gone through the same thing. But when you have it happen to yourself, it's finally like, 'Oh, my gosh. Now I really understand what this is business is all about.'

"It's like the biggest blessing ever because it's so much fun. But it's not only about the perks, it's about the challenges. I just love the challenges."

Miley - who voices a character in new animated movie 'Bolt' - also revealed she enjoys spending private time with her friends and family.

She added to Parade.com: "You have to learn how to turn that off when you go home and just sit around and hang out with your friends. So I think it's a good way to show that you have to learn how to turn that off every once in a while and just go home and be a normal kid."

WENN

Leticia Cyrus, Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus at the 2008 American Music Awardsheld at Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, California - (11/23/08).