Veteran actor and legendary dancer Helen has shared fascinating details about the effort that went into creating some of Bollywood’s most memorable dance appearances.Speaking during an episode of India’s Best Dancer, she revealed that she personally sourced many of the accessories that became synonymous with her glamorous cabaret numbers.Helen said she always wanted her costumes to feel unique. Instead of relying only on locally available accessories, she travelled abroad to find items that would give her performances a distinctive visual identity.
Helen went to Paris to source real feathers
Looking back at her preparations for dance numbers, Helen explained that she took a hands-on approach to every detail of her appearance. She personally selected accessories and fashion elements that were uncommon in India during that period.She said, “I went to London and brought back colored lenses blue, brown, green along with special eyelashes. My headgears were made by my hairdresser, and I even went to Paris to source real feathers for my costumes. My jewelry, giant goggles, and accessories were all picked to stay ahead of the time.”
Jaaved Jaaferi and Karisma Kapoor celebrate Helen’s legacy
Judge Jaaved Jaaferi paid tribute to Helen’s influence on Bollywood fashion and dance. He noted that her bold costumes, elegant performances and confident screen presence changed how glamour was presented in Hindi films. According to him, she set new trends while inspiring generations of performers. Karisma Kapoor also shared a memory that had been passed down by her mother. She said, “My mother used to tell me that whenever Helen Ji stepped onto the set, a respectful hush would fall over everyone, much like when Shammi Kapoor arrived.”Karisma further revealed that Helen was known for quickly learning choreography during rehearsals, earning admiration for both her professionalism and natural ability.
Helen is the woman behind Bollywood’s unforgettable dance numbers
Helen’s elaborate costumes became one of the defining visual signatures of classic Hindi cinema. Some of her most celebrated songs include ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’ from Caravan, ‘Mehbooba Mehbooba’ from Sholay, and several other chart toppers. Although she has made occasional appearances over the years, her last major feature film role came in Madhur Bhandarkar‘s ‘Heroine’ (2012).
