Helen's family were poor and trekked from Burma to Mumbai when she was just a child, after her father died during the second world war.
She was basically sent off to be a sexy dancer to support her mother and two siblings as they were penniless and starving; but she got her Bollywood big break at 19 years old, staring in Howrah Bridge.
She was then a frequent sight on the Indian silver screen, one of the first big 'item girls,' women who primarily appear as dancers in films, rather than actors; although Helen did actually appear as an actor as well as an item girl in several films.
These songs are still great, as are Helen's performances, some of the images are a bit 'of their time,' though, which was generally the 60's in India...so a bit weird and inappropriate at times. Like the 1960's generally.
Here's a few extra reasons why she is FAB-U-LOUS............
The first - we've all been in the dumps where love is concerned at some point, (unless YOU are always the heartless cad we turn to drink over,) but we can't all rock it in a cage like Helen can! (Let's all just ignore the slightly creepy guy "Monicaaaa my darling-g)
The second - Can anybody else do wanton sexy gypsy lady better than Helen (I don't think so but I challenge you to find someone!) Those guys at the start are like "Oh yeeeah!)
The third - The woman is a party all by herself and can even make giant beach balls sexy, plus check out how she effortlessly skips over the jagged rocks! (clearly no health and safety on Bollywood film sets in the 60's)
The fourth - this should really be the first but oh well - not just a pretty face, the woman can dance! Four separate styles showcased here. Also four different languages, although that part is down to Asha Bhosle's vocal skills.
The fifth - say it with me..."Papaya Papaya Papaya!" ... "CocOnuuuut,"
The sixth - Only Helen could save this Bollwood meets Hammer Horror song and dance number. The song itself is surprisingly sweet considering the look of the scene. Look out for the cockatoo attempting to upstage Helen.
The seventh - move over Coyote Ugly, can you balance a bottle of beer on a sickle? Our girl Helen can...
The eighth - need someone to just have a drink and dance with, Helen's got your back, check out the party pooper man towards end. Boo! You have no place in this scene, take your moody disapproving expression and begone!
The ninth - Helen's big break - mere naam chin chin chu shows off Helen's infectious dance style and versatile image, Howrah Bridge is a great film, style wise think Poirot but Bollywood.
The tenth - I love me some Flamenco Helen and line dancing pirate men, what was Shammi Kapoor thinking though!! This one is a prime example of how hard the women have to work to compensate for the men often looking superfluous..
Basically - All Hail Helen - Queen of the Nautch Girls...
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