Amitabh Bachchan recalls Helen’s heroic escape from Burma amidstbWorld War 2

Amitabh Bachchan recalls Helen’s heroic escape from Burma amidstbWorld War 2

Amitabh Bachchan recalls of an anecdote on the veteran actress Helen, and how she made good her escape from the Japanese occupation of Burma in 1943, amidst the World War 2, and came to India.

Helen is an established dancer recognised for her character roles. Born in Rangoon, Burma (now Myanmar), Helen trekked to Dibrugarh, Assam, in 1943 with her family, in a bid to escape from the Japanese occupation of Burma.

Later, Helen got her major break at the age of 19 in 1958, when she danced to the song, ‘Mera naam Chin Chin Chu’ in ‘Howrah Bridge’ directed by Shakti Samantha.

She has done many hit numbers with legendary actor Shammi Kapoor, like ‘Suku suku’ in ‘Junglee’, ‘Yamma yamma’ in ‘China Town’, and ‘O haseena zulfonwali’ in ‘Teesri Manzil’.

Amitabh then went on to elaborate that Helen and her family escaped Myanmar…called Burma back then.

In a bid to escape and land in India, they had to trek through miles of wilderness passing through rivers, mountains and forests. In order to escape from the Japanese occupation of Burma, she had to do this in 1943.”

Helen emerged as a popular actress in the Indian film industry. Watching her dance would leave one enthralled,” shared the Bollywood Legend.

Helen has shared screen space with Amitabh in ‘Mohabbatein’, ‘Don’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’, ‘The Great Gambler’ and ‘Ram Balram’.

In the movie ‘Sholay’, she had a special appearance in the track ‘Mehbooba mehbooba’.

Amitabh further added that he had the good fortune of working with her in a few films. She’s a kind and compassionate woman. She used to look after everyone. We pray she stays in good health as she’s old now.

News Edit K.V.Raman