Helen Biography, Movies, Net Worth, Husband, Awards, Age

Biography

Helen Ann Richardson Khan better known by her stage name Helen is an Indian actress and dancer. She has appeared in over 1000 Hindi films making her a prolific performer. Throughout her seventy-year career, she has been known for her supportive character and guest appearances.

Helen has two Filmfare Awards and is widely regarded as one of the most popular nautch dancers of her generation. Helen was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2009. Four films and a book were inspired by her.

Send Your Mother A Personalised Video Message From Prem Chopra

Shakti Verma From The 1985 Spy Film Bond 303

Need a gift for your mother's birthday? Send her a video card starring Prem Chopra, the actor from Bond 303. In this film, the talented Helen graced the screen and danced to the song 'Main Hoon Lily, Aayi Hoon', sung by the legendary Asha Bhosle.

Age

Helen's age is 85 years as of 2023. Helen was born on 21 November 1938 in Rangoon Burma. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.

Childhood

During WWII their father died. In 1943 the family trekked to Dibrugarh Assam to flee the Japanese occupation of Burma. She dropped out of school to support her family because her mother's salary as a nurse was insufficient to feed a family of four.

Family

She was born to a Burmese father and an Anglo-Indian mother. Her father was George Desmier and her mother was Marlene. She has a brother Roger and a sister Jennifer.

Relationships

Prem Narayan Arora

Helen married director PN Arora who was 27 years her senior in 1957. This 16-year marriage however ended on Helen's 35th birthday. Helen divorced PN Arora because he was financially dependent on her. Helen made a lot of money from her films. Her husband took advantage of this.

Helen went bankrupt as a result of her husband's expenses. Her apartment had been sealed due to nonpayment of rent. She struggled with loneliness after her divorce from her husband.

Salim Khan

During the 1962 film, 'Kabil Khan' Helen met Salman Khan's father Salim Khan. Helen received a heart from Salim Khan. Salim assisted Helen in obtaining films. Sushila Salim's wife objected because he was already married. Regardless Salim marries Helen. 

Sushila and her children adopted Helen after a period of dissatisfaction. Helen joined the Khan family and played an important role in keeping the family together (along with Khan and his first wife Salma). 

Helen's stepchildren are all very close to her and she is almost always accompanied in public by Salma Khan Salim's first wife. With her second husband Salim Khan, she has a daughter Arpita Khan. Helen is a devout Christian.

Send Your Beloved A Video Card From Shakti Kapoor

Helen's Co-Star In The Movie Aakhri Sanghursh

Send a digital wish from Bollywood star Shakti Kapoor to your loved ones this festive season. Celebrate New Year, Eid, Diwali, Birthday, and all the other joyous occasions with these amazing Bollywood-style video messages.

O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan

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O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan is a classic Bollywood song from the 1966 film Teesri Manzil. The song was composed by R.D. Burman and written by Majrooh Sultanpuri and was performed by the legendary Indian dancer and actress Helen.

Helen's iconic dance moves in the song were choreographed by the legendary choreographer Herman Benjamin. The dance featured a mix of Western and Indian styles and Helen's flamboyant and seductive moves became a signature for her career.

The song and dance are still remembered and celebrated as one of the best examples of Bollywood's golden era.

Yeh Mera Dil

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Yeh Mera Dil is a popular Hindi film song from the 1973 Bollywood film Don which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman in lead roles. What made Yeh Mera Dil an instant hit was the impeccable performance by Helen the iconic Bollywood dancer and actress known for her graceful moves and striking stage presence. 

In the song's visuals, Helen is dressed in a stunning silver sequin outfit with her hair styled in a sleek bob. Her impeccable dance moves combined with the catchy tune of the song made Yeh Mera Dil an instant hit among audiences.

Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu

Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu is a popular Hindi song from the 1958 Bollywood film Howrah Bridge. The song was sung by the legendary Indian playback singer Geeta Dutt and picturized on the renowned Bollywood actress and dancer Helen. The song quickly became a hit and is still remembered as one of Helen's most iconic performances. 

The song's success is often attributed to Helen's electrifying performance as she is known for her exceptional dance skills and magnetic stage presence. Her energetic performance in Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu helped establish her as one of Bollywood's leading dancers and paved the way for future performances in similar dance numbers. 

Helen's style of dancing which was heavily influenced by Western dance forms such as cabaret and jazz was considered groundbreaking at the time and helped to usher in a new era of dance in Indian cinema.

Mehbooba Mehbooba

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Mehbooba Mehbooba is a popular Indian song from the 1975 Bollywood film Sholay. The song was performed by the legendary Indian dancer and actress Helen and was composed by the acclaimed music director R.D. Burman. The lyrics were penned by Anand Bakshi.

The success of Mehbooba Mehbooba cemented Helen's position as one of the greatest dancers in Indian cinema. She had a long and successful career in Bollywood and was known for her sultry dance moves and magnetic screen presence.

The song Mehbooba Mehbooba has become synonymous with Helen's iconic dance moves and has been covered and remixed several times over the years.

Aao Na Gale Lagao Na

Aao Na Gale Lagao Na is a classic Bollywood song from the 1970s performed by the legendary Indian dancer and actress Helen. The song was featured in the 1973 film Mere Jeevan Saathi and was composed by the renowned Indian music director R.D. Burman. The lyrics were penned by Majrooh Sultanpuri. 

The song features Helen in a mesmerizing dance sequence as she encourages her on-screen partner to embrace her and express his love. The lively and upbeat music is a hallmark of R.D. Burman's style and complements her energetic dance moves of Helen. 

Helen known for her iconic performances in Bollywood films was one of the leading dancers and actresses of her time. She was often referred to as the queen of item numbers a term used in the Indian film industry to refer to songs that feature a guest performer often a dancer or actress in a glamorous and sensual role

Career Timeline

Net Worth

Helen’s net worth is Rs. 214. 53 crores. Helen was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time and was known for her glamorous on-screen persona and dancing skills. She also earned a lot of money through her stage performances and endorsements. She owns several properties in Mumbai and other cities in India.

Awards Won by Helen

• In 2009 Helen won Padma Shri a civilian honour from the Indian government
• In 1980 Helen won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Lahu Ke Do Rang 
• In 1999 Helen won the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award

6 Interesting Facts about Helen

• Helen was born to a Burmese mother and an Anglo-Indian father.
• Her family moved to Mumbai in 1943 after her father passed away during World War II.
• She dropped out of school to help her family out of their financial bind.
• She first studied Manipuri dance before taking lessons in Bharat Natyam and Kathak from P. L. Raj.
• She was responsible for introducing item dance or cabaret dance in Bollywood movies.
• She began her career in 1951 as a dancer in the chorus of Shabista with the assistance of a family friend. After a few years of performing as a chorus member, she made her breakthrough as a solo dancer in the movie Alif Laila (1953).

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