Veteran actor and legendary dancer Helen shares fascinating details about creating some of Bollywood’s most memorable dance performances.Speaking on an episode of India’s Best Dancer, she revealed that she personally purchased many of the accessories that became synonymous with her glamorous singing and dancing performances.Helen said she always wanted her clothes to feel unique. Rather than relying solely on locally available accessories, she traveled abroad to find items that would bring a unique visual identity to her performances.
Helen goes to Paris to buy real feathers
Looking back on her preparation for the dance performance, Helen explains that she takes a hands-on approach to every detail of her appearance. She personally selected accessories and fashion elements that were not common in India at that time.She said: “I went to London and brought back colored lenses in blue, brown and green and special eyelashes. My headdress was made by my hairdresser and I even went to Paris to source real feathers for my outfits. My jewellery, giant goggles and accessories were all chosen to be ahead of the times.”
Javed Jaferi and Karisma Kapoor Celebrating Helen’s legacy
Judge Jaaved Jaaferi praised Helen’s influence on Bollywood fashion and dance. He noted that her bold costumes, elegant performances and confident screen presence changed the way glamor was presented in Hindi films. According to him, she set new trends while inspiring generations of performers. Karisma Kapoor also shared a memory passed down from her mother. She said: “My mother once told me that whenever Helen Ji stepped on the set, everyone would fall silent, like Shammi Kapoor arrived. “Karisma further revealed that Helen is known for learning choreography quickly during rehearsals and has won admiration for her professionalism and innate ability.
Helen is the woman behind Bollywood’s unforgettable dance
Helen’s exquisite costumes became one of the visual icons of classic Hindi cinema. Her most famous songs include “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” from “Caravan”, “Mehbooba Mehbooba” from “Sholay” and several other chart-topping songs. Although she made occasional appearances over the years, her last major feature film role was in Madhu Bandarkar‘s “Heroine” (2012).
