Helen
ActingAbout Helen
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.
Helen Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Helen reflects exceptional commercial consistency. Across 50 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Helen's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 74% of Helen's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Abdullah, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Helen Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Helen's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Helen has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Anjaane: The Unkown | Aunty | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2002 | Shararat | Anuradha Mathur | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2000 | Mohabbatein | Miss Monica | Hit | Similar → |
| 1999 | Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam | Sameer's mom | Average | Similar → |
| 1996 | Khamoshi: The Musical | Maria Braganza | Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Dostana | Sylvia | Average | Similar → |
| 1980 | Abdullah | Item Dancer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1980 | Billa | Reena | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum | Cabaret dancer | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1978 | Phandebaaz | Club Dancer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Don | Kamini | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Inkaar | Dancer at bar in song | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Amar Akbar Anthony | Fake Daughter At Airport (Guest Appearance) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Khoon Pasina | Dancer | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Bairaag | Lucy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1975 | Sholay | Gypsy Dancer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1974 | Benaam | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Anamika | Rubai | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1972 | Mere Jeevan Saathi | Kamini | Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Bhale Huchcha | Item Dancer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1972 | Raja Jani | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Kathputli | Roma | Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Preetam | Sarita | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Hulchul | Kitty D'Costa | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Jaane Anjaane | Suzy | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1971 | Caravan | Monica | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Train | Lily | Hit | Similar → |
| 1969 | Pyar Hi Pyar | Cham Cham | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Shikar | Veera | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Jewel Thief | Helen | Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Jaal | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1967 | Dil Ne Pukara | Jyoti | Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Teesri Manzil | Ruby | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Yeh Raat Phir Na Aaygi | Dancer / Singer (uncredited) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1966 | Biradari | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1965 | Gumnaam | Miss Kitty | Average | Similar → |
| 1964 | Cha Cha Cha | Lali | Hit | Similar → |
| 1964 | Woh Kaun Thi | Seema | Hit | Similar → |
| 1963 | Taj Mahal | Tawaif/ Court Dancer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1962 | Half Ticket | Stage Dancer | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Superman | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1960 | Jaali Note | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi | Dancer / Singer | Average | Similar → |
| 1957 | Nau Do Gyarah | - | Hit | Similar → |
| 1956 | Halaku | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1955 | Santosham | Dancer | Average | Similar → |
| 1954 | Alibaba and 40 Thieves | Dancer / Singer | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Awaara | Chorus girl | Hit | Similar → |
Helen - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Helen?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Helen is "Abdullah" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Helen acted in?
Helen has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Helen?
Other notable films include "Bairaag", "Anjaane: The Unkown", and "Phandebaaz".