Birthday Special: 10 unforgettable songs of Cabaret Queen Helen

You have seen Kareena, Katrina even Madhuri do an item number in Bollywood. You go gaga over their latkas and jhatkas. But before they hit the celluloid, when we just thought of item songs, the only name who came to our mind was that of Helen! She was the perfect blend of beauty, body and boldness! She redefined item numbers without being vulgar. Today as the veteran actress celebrates her 77th birthday, we get you the top 10 most unforgettable songs of Helen.

Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu - Howrah Bridge (1958)

With her very first song itself she hinted that within a few years then, she was going to make it big in the industry. Unlike most of her other numbers, this song has a certain subtleness and innocence that attracts the audiences even now. She teased Ashok Kumar in the song dressed in a Chinese kimono, completing the look with a fan.

Aa Jaane Jaan - Intaqam (1969)

This song had been very well choreographed by P.L. Raj and had been very popular as it marked the first cabaret song sung by Lata Mangeshkar which was picturised on Helen. She broke the stereotypes’ and went ahead with this song giving a tough competition to her own sister who was then known as the Queen Singer for cabaret songs then.

Mehbooba Mehbooba - Sholay (1975)

A perfect amalgamation of rhythm, great tune, amazing choreography and costumes, perfect singers and fabulous stars picturised is none other than Mehbooba Mehbooba from Sholay. The song had been picturised on Jalal Agha and Helen and was composed and sung by R.D.Burman.

Mungda, O Mungda, Main Gud Ki Dali - Inkaar (1978)

The taboo on bar dancing was very much lifted by Helen's this song which shows her in a traditional outfit unlike her usual cabaret outfits. This song was or rather still is a hit at discs and pubs.The number also features Keshto Mukherjee and Amjad khan.

O Haseena Zulfowali - Teesri Manzil (1966)

This song saw Helen mesmerise the Indian Elvis Presley,Shammi Kapoor. with an amalgamation of two dancing sensations in one frame,the song proved to be treat to the eyes and added the much oomph factor.
The on-screen persona and the energy level of the two stars made it an evergreen high level energy song carved in the minds of probably all generations.

Piya Tu Ab To Aaja - Caravan (1971) 

Moniccaaaa.… you hear this name and automatically start humming the next line...Oh my darling…Playing a cabaret dancer, Helen breathed life into Asha Bhosle's this evergreen song.The seamless concoction of the heavy breathe with her so sensuous dance moves made the song top the list of highly hot songs of Bollywood then.

Yeh Mera Dil Pyar Ka Deewana - Don (1978) 

This track from Don starring Amitabh and Helen was perhaps one of her most memorable numbers till date. This song has been one of songs that have been remixed by many but none have been able to create the same charisma that the original one had created. During the remake of Don that starred Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, this song was picturised over Kareena Kapoor who was supposedly very nervous as she had to create the same charm that Helen had created.

Aaj Ki Raat Koi Aane Ko Hai - Anamika (1973)

R.D. Burman's melody and Asha Bhosle's voice did complete justice to the song A theatrical dance number with Helen dressed in a pink raincoat and short white skirt captured the imagination and fantasy of many at the time and even Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bhaduri can't help but admire.

Ooi Maa Ooi Maa-Parasmani. (1963)

Cabaret or folk,Helen's done it all. It’s a great delight to watch the beautiful dancer perform such classically superb, perfect and crisp moves breaking all the stereotypes who believed she was only for for seductive songs.

Aao Na Gale Lagalo Na-Mere Jeevan Saathi (1972)

A song where Helen tries to woo Rajesh Khanna and sways her voluptuou body is just so perfect and rhythmic. Not much of the typical Helen type cabaret but still sensuous and graceful.