Helen
Acting1939Rangoon, Burma. [now Yangôn, Myanmar]
Biography
Helen Ann Richardson Khan (born October 22, 1939), known by her mononym Helen, is an Indian former actress and dancer of Anglo-Indian and Burmese descent. In a career spanning 70 years, she has established herself as a prolific performer in Hindi cinema and appeared in over 1000 films. During her heydays, she was cited as one of the most popular nautch and cabaret dancers, and has been a recipient of two Filmfare Awards and a Padma Shri, awarded by the Indian Government. She has also been the inspiration for four films and a book. She even performed onstage in London, Paris, and Hong Kong. Officially announcing retirement in 1983, she has since been appearing in films as guest roles or cameos.
Known For
Acting History
2025
Indian Idol
TVas Self• 2 eps
2024
Angry Young Men
TVas Self
2023
2017
The Kapil Sharma Show
TVas Herself• 2 eps
2015
Comedy Nights Bachao
TVas Self
2012
Heroine
as Shagufta Rizvi
2007
2006
Humko Deewana Kar Gaye
as Kitty Kohli
2005
Anjaane: The Unkown
as Aunty
2004
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa
as Dhani's Grandmother
2002
Shararat
as Anuradha Mathur
2000
Mohabbatein
as Miss Monica
1999
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
as Sameer's mom
Desperately Seeking Helen
as Self (archive footage)
1996
Khamoshi: The Musical
as Maria Braganza
1991
Akayla
as Seema's Mother
1985
1984
1980
Abdullah
as Item Dancer
Humkadam
as Suzie John
Ram Balram
as Tara Bai
Billa
as Reena
Dostana
as Sylvia
Garam Khoon
as Dancer
Bombay 405 Miles
as Rita (Master's wife)
1979
Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum
as Cabaret dancer
Duniya Meri Jeb Mein
as Bar Singer & Dancer
The Great Gambler
as Monica (Dancer)
Jhoota Kahin Ka
as Cabaret dancer
Do Shikaari
as Bar Dancer
Hema Hemeelu
as Special appearance
Lahu Ke Do Rang
as Suzy
1978
1977
For Your Sake
as Shola
Immaan Dharam
as Jenny Francis
Khoon Pasina
as Dancer
Amar Akbar Anthony
as Fake Daughter At Airport (Guest Appearance)
Inkaar
as Dancer at bar in song
Chala Murari Hero Banne
as Self
Agent Vinod
as Lovelina
1976
1974
Jab Andhera Hota Hai
as Alka
Geetaa Mera Naam
as Savitri
Ujala Hi Ujala
as Dancer / Singer
Madhosh
as Mona / Mrs Goldie
Chhote Sarkar
as Kasturi
1973
Heera
as Dancer
Shareef Budmaash
as Carmen / Rita
Chhalia
as Mona
Bada Kabutar
as Dancer
Anamika
as Rubai
Helen, Queen of the Nautch Girls
as Herself
1972
Mere Jeevan Saathi
as Kamini
Gomti Ke Kinare
as Herself
Sazaa
as Kitty
Apradh
as Cabaret Dancer / Singer
Rakhi Aur Hathkadi
as Mrs. Reen
Victoria No. 203
as Girl On Beach
Do Gaz Zameen Ke Neeche
as Bar Dancer (uncredited)
Yaar Mere
as Rosie
Bhale Huchcha
as Item Dancer
1971
Caravan
as Monica
Adhikar
as Cabaret Dancer
Jaane Anjaane
as Suzy
Nadaan
as Rita Saxena
Parwana
as Cabaret Dancer
Preetam
as Sarita
Scattered Pearls
as Club dancer
Hulchul
as Kitty D'Costa
Kathputli
as Roma
1970
Princess
as (Special Appearce- Dancer in the Item Number)
Bombay Talkie
as Heroine in Gold
Kab? Kyoon? Aur Kahan?
as Rita
The Train
as Lily
Tum Haseen Main Jawan
as Jina (Ranjeet's wife)
1969
Ek Shriman Ek Shrimati
as Sherry
Pyar Hi Pyar
as Cham Cham
Intaquam
as Rebecca
Prince
as Sophia
Yakeen
as Night Club performer (song "Bachke")
Pyasi Shaam
as Life-size cardboard cut-out
Pyar Ka Sapna
as Jenny
1968
Shikar
as Veera
Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool
as Neelam
Kahin Din Kahin Raat
as Helen
Aulad
as Courtesan
Kismat
as Nancy
Anjaam
as Nikita
1967
Bahu Begum
as Courtesan
Dil Ne Pukara
as Jyoti
Jewel Thief
as Helen
C.I.D. 909
as Sophia
Noorjehan
as Dilruba
Night in London
as Sue / Jameela
Chand Par Chadayee
as Dancer / Singer
1966
Yeh Raat Phir Na Aaygi
as Dancer / Singer (uncredited)
Smuggler
as Dancer
Tasveer
as Alka
Teesri Manzil
as Ruby
1965
1964
1963
Shikari
as Shoba
Taj Mahal
as Tawaif/ Court Dancer
Kabli Khan
as Haseena
Sunehri Nagin
as Princess
Ustadon Ke Ustad
as Rita
Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya
as Rita
1962
1961
Maya
as Banke's darling
Do Bhai
as Courtesan
Gunga Jumna
as Courtesan
Junglee
as Miss Suku
Mr. India
as Rita
Sapne Suhane
as Nimmo dancer
Miss Chalbaaz
as Roopa
1959
Gali Theke Rajpath
as Dancer
Insaan Jaag Utha
as Dancer (uncredited)
Love Marriage
as Dancer (in a special appearance)
Kangan
as wedding entertainer
1958
Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi
as Dancer / Singer
Night Club
as Special Appearance
Howrah Bridge
as Dancer / Singer
Karigar
as Bar Dancer
1955
1954
Alibaba and 40 Thieves
as Dancer / Singer
1952
Amber
as Dancer