Here is a list of the Retroscope’s top ten Helen dances from the 60s and 70s (in no particular order). Read more about Helen in our examination of her work, here.
Meherbaan Mehboob Dilber (1969)
Beautiful smooth lounge music from Laxmikant Pyarelal gently sung by Asha Bosle, in Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool.
Yeh Rangeen Mehfil Gulaabi Gulaabi (1963)
Helen distracts a jailor in this melodic song from the film Shikari.
Kar Le Pyar Kar Le
From 1969’s Talash, this dance is a riot of colour. It sees Helen’s character, showgirl Rita leading a lively revue- shimmying in red sequins and feathers and flirting with the audience. It finishes off with her in a rainbow coloured dress enthusiastically inviting the whole audience up to dance.
Aye Naujawan Hai Sab Kuchh Yahan (Apradh, 1972)
Catchy song by Kalyanji Anadji (which was sampled by the Black Eyed Peas) sees Helen shimmying around a bar worthy of a Bond villain hangout.
Is Duniya Mein Jeena Ho To (1965)
Helen’s Kitty Kelly skips around on the beach in this dance from Gumnaam (an interesting adaption of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None)- assuring the doomed inhabitants of the island that the only thing they can do is enjoy life while it lasts. Helen was nominated for a Filmfare award for her acting in this film.
Meri Jawani Pyar Ko (1971)
After beginning her show in a bathtub and becoming jealous of all the couples in the audience, Helen slithers across the stage while singing this catchy number to a statue of a man that looks as if it is made of chocolate!
Dil Ka Lagana (1966)
Beautifully shot in black and white- this clip from Smuggler really does justice to Helen’s style and beauty.
Jane Anjane Yahan Sabhi Hai
Helen dances with two male backing dancers who sometimes appeared in her numbers.
Mehfil Soyee (1969)
This tense song from near the end of the thriller Intaquam sees Helen dancing like crazy to try to stop an acid-spewing cake(!) from being delivered to Sadhana’s heroine.
Saagar Ko Chum Chum Ke Masti Mein Aake Pee (1966)
Excellent sharaabi song featuring Helen and Pran from the film Biradari.
2 thoughts on “Top 10 Helen Dance Numbers”
TS
(November 22, 2017 - 1:45 pm)Wow- gorgeous photos and informative bio of Helen. Can’t think of another English language website that would know this much about a Bollywood icon.
RetroRobin
(November 22, 2017 - 3:28 pm)Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the article.