The film festival Tongues on Fire will close its annual month-long event and celebrate the achievements of the legendary Bollywood dancer, Helen, who sizzled her way through many cabaret numbers from the 1950s - 1970s with a dance competition this weekend.

Helen, who is of English and Burmese parentage entered Hindi cinema as a chorus girl, but her first major hit was dancing to the number, Mera Nam Chin Chin Chu for the film, Howrah Bridge, 1958, by O.P. Nayyar. Other memorable songs include Mehbooba from Sholay, Yeh Mera Dil from Don and the classic, Piya Tu Ab To Aa Jaa from Caravan. According to author Jerry Pinto, Helen is reputed to have performed in over 500 films, and was nick-named “H-Bomb” at the height of her career.

Tongues on Fire & Sare-gama, plc, will launch a souvenir CD of songs from the hit films of Helen, who will be the special guest at the Closing Gala. There will also be a dance competition at the event.
Saturday 31 March, 7pm, New Players Theatre
www.tonguesonfire.com