She is the daughter-in-law of late Vishnupant Damle, the founder of Prabhat Film Company, which produced India’s first talkie Film, ‘Sant Tukaram’. There was a time, when as a 19 year old, she had walked to the sets of Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s film ‘Anari’ along with Lalita Pawar, a family friend. Stunned by her beauty, Raj Kapoor on meeting her had suggested her to join films. Neela Damle, formerly Neela Kale was the daughter of yesteryear’s actor Late Madhav Kale, who was addressed as the most handsome hero of that period, by none other than Sitara Devi.

As a child, Neela was brought up in a family, which had the background of acting and classical music. Her father Madhav Kale was a renowned actor during that period, having performed with some of the leading actresses of that time and her mother Sarla a music exponent, who managed an all woman orchestra during 30’s. So, music and acting was a gift to Neela.

She was also a good tennis player. However, she paid more attention on dance and music. As a teenager, she was well versed with classical music and performed ballet in Sachin Shankar’s group.

After her marriage to Vasantrao (Pandit) Damle, Neela shifted to Mumbai, as her husband was an Aeronautical Engineer with Air India. Post marriage, Neela focussed her attention on music and played musical instruments with an authority. She was also a TV star during that period. Once her husband gifted her an imported Stylophone, on which she practiced many popular film tunes. When she was given an opportunity by Kalyanji Bhai (Kalyanji-Anandji Duo) during his musical programme to play a small piece of music on his film ‘Nagin’, everybody including Anandji were stunned by her performance. Thereafter, Kalyanji Bhai addressed her as Stylophone Queen.

Today at 72, Neela Damle still plays that tune on her stylophone in guest appearance, at selected orchestras. “Now, it is not possible for me to perform at far off places; but if it is somewhere close to my house, I do oblige. The only annual ceremony I don’t miss is the Annual Ballet organised by Kumudini Lele (wife of Sachin Shankar). On this occasion, I get a chance to meet all old friends like Rekha and Chitra who were also disciples of Sachin Shankar.” she concluded.

It was a pleasure meeting this enthusiastic woman, who is still passionate about music. Best thing about her is that she keeps a low profile, in spite of her celebrity status. Marathi Movie World present her as a ‘star pick’ on the occasion of Women’s day.