SIVA 80

Appa's life has been blessed with the most wonderful friends and family. Some of you know him as Siva, some as Suriya. To us, he's Appa.

But somewhere between careers, house moves, grandchildren and simply life getting busier, the big get-togethers we used to have have become fewer and further between. We miss them.

Appa isn't one for being the centre of attention (he'd probably rather be pottering in the garden), but turning 80 felt like the perfect excuse to gently override his objections and bring together the people he loves, and who love him right back.

Our hope for the day is simple: recreate a little of that old warmth and conviviality, surround him with familiar faces, fondly remember years gone by, and properly catch up on everything since.

No formal programme. No long speeches. No complicated itinerary. Just good food, good drinks, some light music, and rather a lot of catching up.

Appa is who he is today in no small part thanks to our Amma, and unlike Appa, Amma has never once shied away from a spotlight.

Which is rather convenient, because we have another big reason to celebrate. Appa turns 80 on 12 February, but just two days earlier, on 10 February, Amma and Appa mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

So while this is very much a party for Appa, we couldn't let such a milestone pass without giving Amma her moment too!