Neila Devi Wiki Shammi Kapoor's Biography, Wife, Age, Bio & Family

Neila Devi, August 1941 birthdate, comes from Gujarat's royal family of Bhavnagar, India. She is widely recognized as the second wife of the Bollywood superstar, Shammi Kapoor. They married in 1969 and this formed an important page in their respective lives, particularly after the untimely death of Shammi Kapoor's initial wife, Geeta Bali, in 1965.

Early Life and Background

A member of Bhavnagar's Gohil dynasty, Neila Devi was the daughter of Ajit Singh Gohil, who was a respected personality in the area. She was brought up in an upper-class family with a sense of dignity, humility, and elegance. Down-to-earth despite being a member of royalty, Neila Devi later became loved by the Kapoor family and the rest of the film fraternity as well.

Wedding to Shammi Kapoor

The marriage of Neila Devi to Shammi Kapoor is a rare and heartwarming story. Following the untimely demise of his first wife, Geeta Bali, Shammi Kapoor was devastated and left with the responsibility of bringing up their two young children, Aditya Raj Kapoor and Kanchan. At this trying time, Krishna Kapoor, Raj Kapoor's elder brother's wife, brought Neila Devi before him, assuming that she would make a good match who could give the stability and nurturing his children so desperately needed. 

In a frank interview, Neila Devi spoke of how Shammi Kapoor asked her to marry him after a five-hour discussion, in which he spoke freely about his past, his children, and his requirement for a companion. Touched by his frankness and the possibility of caring for him and his family, she consented to marry him. Their marriage was a simple ceremony, at Shammi Kapoor's home, with close relatives present.

Role as a Stepmother

Neila Devi accepted her position as a stepmother with great commitment. She decided not to have children of her own, dedicating all her attention to bringing up Aditya and Kanchan. Her choice was based on her wish to make Geeta Bali's children feel loved and cared for, without any sense of discrimination. This act of selflessness gained her great respect in the Kapoor family and revealed her caring nature.

Life Beyond Marriage

Apart from being Shammi Kapoor's wife, Neila Devi also had a quiet life, only occasionally making news. Her regal upbringing and background kept her out of the spotlight, letting her nurture her husband's illustrious career in the backdrop. She made sure to bring up a happy home life for her husband, which allowed him to pursue work in the cinema industry without interpersonal obstacles.

Legacy and Reflections

In her few public appearances and interviews, Neila Devi has spoken about her life with Shammi Kapoor, reminiscing about their time together. She has discussed the difficulties they encountered, such as Shammi's health problems and the process of integrating into the Kapoor family. Her stories provide a glimpse into the private life of one of Bollywood's legendary families, with themes of love, perseverance, and dedication. 

Neila Devi's biography is a testament to her strength and grace. From her royal background in Gujarat to being an important part of the Kapoor family, she has lived by the qualities of commitment and humility. Her unconditional support of her husband and stepchildren testifies to the significant influence she has had over the people in her life, leaving a permanent stamp on the Kapoor family's legacy.