Helen is an Indian actress and dancer. Her full name is Helen Ann Richardson Khan. She was born on 21 November 1938 in Burma. Her sun sign is Scorpio. Her father’s name was George Desmier. She has a brother Roger, and a sister, Jennifer. 

She is married to Salim Khan. They have a daughter, Arpita Khan. 

Interesting facts about Helen

Her hobbies include dancing and travelling. 

Her favourite actors are Gene Kelly, Vyjayanthimala, and Padmini.

Helen was born to an Anglo-Indian father and a Burmese mother.

In the year 1943, after the death of her father during World War II, she came to Mumbai with her family in search of work. 

Helen could not complete her studies due to financial constraints and the circumstances forced her to start working at an early age. 

Dance training

Helen received training as a Bharatnatyam and Kathak dancer under her dance guru PL Raj. 

Helen pioneered the cabaret dance form in Bollywood film industry. 

In the year 1951, she began her career as a chorus dancer in the film ‘Shabista.’

Helen’s first solo dance performance

She got her first opportunity as a solo dancer in the film ‘Alif Laila.’

Helen’s dance number ‘Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu’ from the 1958 film ‘Howrah Bridge’ was a major hit. 

She is often called as ‘Dancing Queen’ and ‘H-Bomb’ for her unmatched and exceptional dancing skills. 

Helen made her acting debut in the 1960 film ‘Hum Hindustani.’

Helen’s legacy

In the year 1973, a 30-minute documentary film titled 'Helen Queen of the Notch Girls' and 3 books based on her life were released by Merchant Ivory Productions.

Some of Helen’s best songs are, Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana, Piya Tu Ab To Aaja, Mehbooba Mehbooba, Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai, Aa Jaane Jaan, O Haseena Zulfonwale Jane Jahan, Khilta Hua Shabab Hai, Yeh Pal Chanchal Kho Na Dena, Haar Mere Paas To Aa, O Mungada Mungada and many more.

Helen’s marriage

Helen was previously married to Bollywood director PN Arora. The couple took a divorce in the year 1974 because of their incompatibility. 

After Salim Khan’s separation with Salma Khan, Helen started dating Salim Khan. She had first met him on the sets of the film ‘Kabali Khan.’

Helen and Salim got married in the year 1981. 

A few years later, Helen and Salim adopted a girl and named her ‘Arpita Khan.’