Legendary ‘Dancing Girl’ Helen honoured with Padma Shri

Spicezee Bureau

New Delhi, April 15: Legendary ‘Dancing Girl’ Helen Khan was conferred with the Padma Shri in recognition to her contribution to Indian film industry. The actress was among 66 eminent personalities, who received the Padma awards by President Pratibha Patil here last evening. Helen is best known for playing character roles in Bollywood movies of the 1950s to 1980s. She was famous for her performances in flamboyant dance sequences and sensuous cabaret numbers. Padma Vibhushan was awarded to four renowned persons for their commendable achievements. They included G Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for his significant contributions to the development of ulti-stage satellite launch vehicles and associated technologies and Underlal Bahuguna, for his contributions in saving Himalayas. Other two are historian Debi Prasad Chattopadhyaya and renowned cardiologist Purshottam Lal. Fourteen people were awarded with Padma Bhushan, including Abhinav Bindra, who was awarded for being the first Indian individual gold medallist in the Olympic Games. Padma Shri awards were presented to 47 prominent persons, in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the radio, sports, film and music industry. Among the Padma Shri awardees were Ameen Sayani for his contribution to radio broadcasting, musician Hridaynath Mangeshkar, noted cueist Pankaj Advani and playback singer Udit Narayan Jha.