Helen was and remains Bollywood's item #1, her position unshaken by the gyrations of Sheila and Munni.
Helen was and remains Bollywood's item #1, her position unshaken by the gyrations of Sheila and Munni.
On her 75th birthday, we've chosen our 10 favourite Helen numbers.
Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu - Howrah Bridge (1958)
The song marked Helen's big breakthrough. In the song, playing a dancer named Chin Chin Chu from Shanghai, Helen was dressed in a Chinese cheongsam dress with a top-knot.
O Haseena Zulfowali - Teesri Manzil (1966)
Teesri Manzil saw Helen mesmerise the Indian Elvis a.k.a Shammi Kapoor. The song was a visual treat and the sheer energy of the two stars ensured that the song was a superhit.
Aa Jaane Jaan – Intaqam (1969)
Lata Mangeshkar's only cabaret number was a melodious surprise. The song, which featured Helen writhing around a caged man, was the highlight of the suspense thriller starring Sadhana and Sanjay Khan.
Piya Tu Ab To Aaja – Caravan (1971)
This song was a camp-fabulous mix of Asha Bhosle's seductive vocals, R D Burman crooning “Monica, oh my darling,” and Helen's gyrations, complete with trademark blonde wig and shimmering red dress which rips to reveal a gold sequined two piece outfit.
Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai – Anamika (1973)
A theatrical dance number with Helen dressed in a pink raincoat and short white skirt was high on drama.
Mehbooba Mehbooba – Sholay (1975)
Helen's belly-dance was one of the many highlights in the blockbuster Sholay, which was jampacked with epic characters like Gabbar Singh, Jai, Veeru, Thakur and Basanti.
Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana – Don (1978)
The song, also featuring Amitabh Bachchan, was perhaps one of Helen's most memorable numbers till date. The provocative dance was seduction at its very best as Helen engaged the mighty Don with the best of her moves.
Baithe Hain Kya Uske Paas - Jewel Thief (1967)
The box office hit Jewel Thief, starring Dev Anand and Vyjayanthimala, featured the song Baithe Hain Kya Uske Paas picturised on Helen and fellow vamp Faryal. However, with her trademark moves, outlandish red dress and tail feathers, the song belonged to Helen.
Tu Mungda, O Mungda, Main Gud Ki Dali – Inkaar (1978)
Bar dancing was never the same after Helen performed to this chart-topping number from Inkaar. Her traditional outfit in the song was at par with her unconventional outfits in terms of its seductiveness, ensuring that the song became a hit in pubs and discs at the time.
Gham Chhod ke Manao Rang Relly – Gumnaam (1965)
Helen had three songs in this film, but this one clearly stands out especially because of her chemistry with Pran.
With a blonde mane and a pink swimsuit, Helen was dressed to kill while Pran looked casual and carefree at best as the two soaked up some sun at the beach.
