Helen Birthday Special: Iconic dance numbers which stay alive even today

One of the most iconic and legendary dancers of Indian cinema, Helen Ann Richardson, popularly known as ‘Helen’ turns a year older today. The bold and beautiful lady, who had introduced cabaret dancing in Bollywood, is also known as one of the Dancing Queens of Bollywood. Her on-screen energy in songs like ‘Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo’, ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ earned her a different recognition in the industry. She also introduced the concept of item numbers in mainstream Bollywood movies. Particularly, during the 1960s and 1970s legendary playback singer, Asha Bhosle often sang for Helen. On her birthday, let’s take a look at her popular dance numbers which stay alive and unmatchable for generations of all ages.

The song featured in the 1978 Bollywood movie ‘Don’. Sung by Asha Bhosle, the number went on to win several due to Helen’s amazing performance. The movie starred Zeenat Aman, Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles.

In the 1971 movie ‘Caravan’, the beats of the number can make one groove even today. Asha Bhosle’s voice is pure magic, which makes it even more memorable along with Helen’s iconic performance. The film stars Jeetendra and Asha Parekh in the lead roles.

One of the most famous Cabaret songs sung by Asha Bhosle, Karle Pyar Karle from the 1969 movie ‘Talash’, this dance is a riot of colour. The number features Helen as a showgirl Rita gracing her presence adorning a red sequin dress with feathers. The movie featured Rajendra Kumar and Sharmila Tagore in the lead roles. This was also the first Indian movie having a budget of Rs 1 crore.

Sung by R.D Burman, the song instantly struck a chord among the audience. From the 1975 classic movie ‘Sholay’, Helen’s performance won her several accolades. The movie starred Amitabh and Jeetendra in the lead roles.

This is one of the most iconic numbers performed by Helen in the 1973 movie 'Anamika'. Sung by Asha Bhonsle, the beats stay alive even today. The movie stars Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan in lead roles.

In the 1966 movie ‘Teesri Manzil, the beats of the number, can make one feel nostalgic and groove even today. The lyrics penned by late Mohd. Rafi teamed with the voice of Asha Bhosle is pure magic. Helen’s classic performance stays alive even today. The movie starred Shammi Kapoor, Asha Parekh and Prem Chopra in pivotal roles.

The famous song from the 1958 Bollywood movie ‘Howrah Bridge’ starring Ashok Kumar, Madhubala, K.N Singh, Helen, Dhumal, Om Prakash, in pivotal characters. Helen got her first big break at the age of 18, as the lead dancer. Sung by Geeta Dutt, the movie and the song instantly struck a chord among the audience and critics.