Happy Birthday to Dancing Queen Helen!
Dance numbers have now become the norm when it comes to Bollywood films these days with every actress from Katrina Kaif to Kareena Kapoor opting to shake their hips to create an alluring��film trailer for the big��production houses. However, the original item girl was Helen, an actress who not only wowed the audiences for her acting skills but she also helped make dance numbers her big break into the industry. Films which were often conservative by nature in the 1950s became Helen�۪s forte to make them as sexy as ever with her item numbers leaving the audiences eager for more. She has managed to create a legendary Bollywood name for herself in the industry and even her brief role in Kareena Kapoor�۪s latest film ��Heroine�۪ (2012) got the audience talking about her poise and elegance. As Helen��celebrates another��birthday, BizAsia are looking at her best dance numbers which have stolen the hearts of many.
Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo ��� ��Howrah Bridge�۪ (1958)
This was the first of Helen�۪s dance numbers in Bollywood films which��got her recognised��in the film industry. Her Chinese look in the film was emulated through the dance which was well choreographed and made the actress�۪s name in the business. Although the film took average takings, the song is still remembered to this day with films such as ��Kuch Kuch Hota Hai�۪ (1998)��having their own take on the number.
Oyee Maa Oyee Maa Yeh Kya Ho Gaya– ��Parasmani�۪ (1963)
Helen showed off her dancing skills in this dance number where she danced to the voice of Lata Mangeshkar. Her costumes were elaborate for the day and the fast steps showed the audience why she was fast capturing the hearts of the audience.
O Haseena Zulfon Wali ��� ��Teesri Manzil�۪ (1966)
This number��came at the peak of Helen�۪s career and her pairing with equally energetic Shammi Kapoor proved to be a success for the pair. She shimmied across the dance floor in a long black floaty number and the lyrics fitted her perfectly establishing her as a Bollywood bombshell. The film may not be as well remembered but this song still lives on with many music artists emulating it.
Aa Jaane Jaan ��� ��Inteqam�۪ (1969)
This sexy sultry number was a perfect fit for Helen who sizzled in this track in a bejewelled black costume that showed off her curves to perfection. She was portrayed as a cabaret dancer and she fulfilled the song so well showing off her flexibility as a dancer and her expressions were priceless. Though the song was slower than her usual dances, it meant the actress could show off her talent for combining acting and dance together so well, telling a story just through her dance moves.
Piya Tu Ab To Aaja ��� ��Caravan�۪ (1971)
Who can forget this number which still gets hearts beating till this day? Helen got her name ��Monica�۪ from this dance number where she writhed so brilliantly to this song. The vocals of Asha Bhosle fitted the actress so well and she did the whole song without any backing dancers. Her red sequin number became a hit in the fashion world as women tried to emulate��her allure. Her gold costume which she wears later in the song suited Helen perfectly.
Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai ��� ��Anamika�۪ (1973)
Helen, once again, excelled in this cabaret dance number as she took the stage in a pink and white outfit in the pouring rain. She really could tell a story through her moves and she once again suited the vocals of Asha Bhosle to a tee. Her sexy innocence in the song was something only Helen could portray and make her own. Though this was not one of her popular numbers, it showed off how well the actress could carry off a song on her own.
Mehbooba Mehbooba ��� ��Sholay�۪ (1975)
This dance number is as monumental as this film where Helen danced for the eyes of villain Gabbar Singh in a sexy green folk outfit. She had no vocals in this song but she did a great job in this song matching each beat of the song showing why she became the Mehbooba of many hearts. The dance was choreographed was so well for her matching the lyrics of the song beautifully.
Yeh Mera Dil Pyaar Ka Deewaana ��� ‘Don’ (1978)
This was her dance numbers to end all dance numbers where she seduces co-star Amitabh Bachchan with her sex appeal. This song is almost as famous as the film and Helen�۪s take on this song is one that many actresses have tried to recreate unsuccessfully. Her white costume number was as revealing as the song and cemented Helen�۪s reputation as the ultimate dancing queen of Bollywood.
Helen really is the ultimate when it comes to dance numbers and she has won hearts of many throughout an evergreen career in Bollywood. She has a wonderful career in the industry and no matter what she does, audiences love her for it. We at BizAsia love the actress and would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday!
