The name Helen is synonymous with cabaret dances in Bollywood. She took item songs in Bollywood to dizzy heights so much that she was the most sought-after actress for an item song in Bollywood in the ’50s, ’60s and ‘70s. Starting her career as an extra dancer in the chorus she raised to topmost position thanks to her mentor Cuckoo and of course, her own talents.
The Helen Effect: A New Era of Item Songs
Helen’s superhit item songs like “Mera Naam Chin Chin Choo” and “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” made her a sensation. Her item songs could even save a flop film, as seen with “O Mungada Mungada” in Inkaar.
In the 1970s, Helen’s reign was challenged by talented dancers like Bindu. Bindu’s hit item song “Mera Naam Hai Shabnam” in Kati Patang showcased her bold and beautiful persona. She credited Helen as her idol and inspiration. Bindu’s other notable item songs include “Hungama Hogaya” (Anhonee) and “Dil Jalon Ka Dil Jalake” (Zanjeer).etc.
The Queen of Cabaret: Helen’s Impact on Item Numbers
After Bindu, Aruna Irani emerged as a prominent item girl in the 1970s. Raj Kapoor featured her in a sizzling cabaret dance in the film Bobby. The song “Ae Ae Ae Phansa” became a huge hit, making Aruna Irani the top item girl of the decade.Her popular item songs are Sapna Mera Tut Gaya … (Khel Khel Mein), Meri Beri Ke Ber Mat Todo… (Anokhi Raat), Kya Ghazab Karte Ho Ji… (Love SStory), etc.
Padma Khanna, like Bindu, became a star overnight with her sensual item number, Husn Ke Lakhon Rang, in Dev Anand‘s hit film Johny Mera Naam dance. In fact, it would not be wrong to write that it was Padma Khanna who started the trend of steaming hot and seductive item songs with Husn Ke Lakhon Rang…. In this song, she performs the Western style of ‘stripping’!! For the first time, an actress dropped her attire on the silver screen. The audience went crazy, and the movie became the highest money spinner of the year!
Leave a Comment