Happy Birthday Helen: 5 Songs Of The Iconic Actress That Will Make You Groove

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NOVEMBER 21,2023

Helen, the OG on-screen caberet queen, turns 85 today. She was the first Indian item dancer to rule the Hindi film industry with her bold moves and graceful dance. She monopolized the 50s and 70s with her sensuous songs, which were a rage back in the day. These old Bollywood songs continue to make us groove even today.

There was no one who could have replaced her during her prime. Nobody can certainly be compared with Helen. With the current number of item dancers like Malaika Arora, Rakhi Sawant, and more needing to take lessons on how to be sensual without being vulgar from the dancing diva.

What entertained the fans most was Helen and Asha Bhosle's iconic combination. The veteran singer's voice blended in perfectly with the iconic actress's dance moves. Every Helen song would be incomplete without Asha Ji's soothing notes.

As the veteran actress celebrates her 85th birthday today, let's take a look at some of Helen's iconic songs that are a delight to watch even today.

1. Mehbooba Mehbooba: Sholay

How can this one not make it to the list? Sung by R.D. Burman, Mehbooba Mehbooba showcased some phenomenal dance moves by Helen. It was originally sung by Asha Bhosle, but since the song required higher notes, Burman had to step in.

It is said that the superhit track from Sholay was copied from an English song named Say You Love Me, sung by Demis Roussous. Well, call it an inspiration or a blatnat copy, Bollywood received one of its iconic songs that will always be timeless.

2. Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja: Caravan

Introducing Helen as India's finest dancer, her on-screen name, Monica, became her personality. The ultra-famous song is sung by Asha Ji, and R.D. Burman's music adds the correct caberet notes to it.

3. Yeh Mera Dil: Don

Whether it's Kareena Kapoor Khan or any other top actress of this generation, no one can replace Helen in this iconic dance number. However, Helen's role was beyond that of an item dancer in Don.

Also Read: Karisma Kapoor and Helen To Work Together In An Upcoming Web Series

She played the role of Kamini, Ramesh's fiance, who wanted to leave the gangster life and lead a normal one. Knowing this, Amitabh Bachchan kills him, and Kamini seeks her revenge.

However, Don, being the wittiest, outsmarts her and the police to seek an escape. Helen's cat-eyes and sensuous moves are not for the weak-hearted.

4. Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu: Howrah Bridge

Now this one will take you to the black-and-white era. Sung by Geeta Dutt and composed by OP Nayyar, this was the first song where Helen got all the limelight.

Before this, she was a chorus dancer in many other Bollywood songs. While her look in the song is really Chinese, she is originally of Anglo-Burmese descent in reality.

5. O Hasina Zulfon Wali: Teesri Manzil

While the choreography of this song is debatable and quite funny, there was no reason not to include it in the list of the best Helen songs. Her costumes, especially the red one, were way ahead of their time.

Radio City wishes Helen Ji a very happy birthday.