Helen, Bindu to Jayshree T: The original item girls of Bollywood’s golden era

Helen was the undisputed queen of item numbers and the original diva of Bollywood cabaret. With her Eurasian features, gracious movements, and the ability to perform in a unique, simple yet spectacular styling, Helen delivered glam and sophistication to item songs that had never been seen before. The evidence of this can be seen in performances like “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja” in Caravan, and “Yeh Mera Dil” in 'Don', she was not just dancing, she was performing with meaning. Regardless of whether she was playing the dancer in the club, the vamp, or the mystifying seductress, Helen stole every scene she appeared in.

Aruna Irani was the firecracker of the golden era. She had a vivacious dancing style and boundless energy, and everywhere she appeared on film, she was instantly recognizable and impressive. Whether it was in the sensual "Chadti Jawani" in 'Caravan' or her full-on spicy performances in movies such as Bombay to Goa, she brought a boldness that was both fun and foxy. Aruna was not just a dancer; she also added some kind of depth to her performances to the point where she blurred her role as a supporting lead versus a vamp. In her glamorous presence and spicy numbers, she added that instant spark to films, a one-stop name for filmmakers to make something sizzle.

Jayshree T was the dancer who established herself within the masala entertainer bunch. With expressive eyes, an alluring smile, and tons of energy, she was the entertainer who was guaranteed to uplift party songs and bar item numbers needing that less than subtle x factor. Particularly, songs like "Aankhen Meri Maikhana", she delivered a glamorous, contradictory woman in a dual role of friend and sexual threat. Even when the film included pretty much all the stars of the day, she was guaranteed to mesmerize when her turn to entertain came up.

Padma Khanna brought a different flavor to the item number scene with her classical training in Kathak and her ability to balance grace and glamour. Everyone remembers her in “Husn Ke Lakhon Rang” from 'Johnny Mera Naam' for her sensuous dance. Each time she appeared in a song, she brought almost a dramatic richness to her performances. Padma also had a strong screen persona even when surrounded by big stars. Her boldness was rooted in her composure and manageability, and she was one of the few dancers who could go from a mythological epic like Ramayan to a steamy dance number in mainstream cinema without breaking a sweat.

Bindu was the quintessential juxtaposition of class and grit. She was famous for playing brash characters who sashayed into villainy and made it glamorous. Her item numbers, like "Mera Naam Shabnam" from Kati Patang, were always more than dance; they had attitude. The actress manifestly embodied this attitude of the confident, unapologetic woman, usually the "other woman", and she played it all so convincingly that it was impossible to divert your eye. It was all about the expressive face and the smouldering eyes; she made every frame seem like she was in charge and made Bindu one of the more memorable and enduring faces of the item girl legacy.