How a Forgotten Birthday Guest Prompted a Lifetime Promise

Neela Devi’s 1968 birthday is remembered not for the gifts but for the absence of her favorite star, Shammi Kapoor. When her brother invited him, the actor cited a recent journey from Kolkata for a film premiere and a sudden illness as reasons for not attending. He vowed to make amends, a promise that Neela says she carried throughout her married life. The promise turned into reality when the two tied the knot on 27 January 1969 at Shammi’s home in Mumbai, surrounded by family and close friends.