Veteran actor and politician Mithun Chakraborty‘s first wife, the talented actress Helena Luke, tragically passed away in the United States on Sunday, November 3. Reports indicate that she succumbed to an undisclosed illness after a prolonged struggle. Helena gained recognition for her notable role in the iconic Amitabh Bachchan film Mard, which premiered in 1985 and remains a classic in Indian cinema.
The somber news of Helena’s passing was widely disseminated on social media by fellow actress Kalpana Iyer, prompting an outpouring of condolences and memories from fans and colleagues alike.
Helena’s last social media post goes viral
Just a day before her death, on November 2, Helena took to her official Facebook account to share her feelings with her followers, revealing, “Feeling weird. Mixed emotions and no clue why…. discombobulated.” This heartfelt message has since gone viral, capturing the attention of many who expressed concern and support in the comments.
Mithun and Helena’s relationship
Mithun married Helena in 1979 in what many believed to be a promising union; however, this relationship was almost immediately fraught with difficulties. Just four months after exchanging vows, the couple separated, leading to a swift divorce. In a surprising turn, Mithun remarried former actress Yogeeta Bali later that same year.
In a candid interview with Stardust Magazine, Helena delved into her tumultuous marriage with Mithun, describing it as a ‘hazy dream.’ She expressed feelings of betrayal, accusing the actor of manipulating her emotions. She stated, “I only wish it hadn’t happened, he was the one who brainwashed me into believing that he was the man for me; unfortunately, he succeeded. I’ll never go back to him even if he is the richest guy around. I haven’t even asked for alimony; it was a nightmare, and it’s over.” Helena’s profound disappointment was evident as she reflected on their past, adding, “I really believed him when he told me that he loved me. But when I got to know him better, I realised that he loved no one but himself.”
She further recounted her experience, describing Mithun as extremely immature and possessive, stating, “He was very possessive and accused me of seeing my ex-boyfriend Javed on the sly. I used to go blue in the face trying to convince him that I didn’t, but couldn’t succeed in eradicating his deep-rooted suspicious nature.” Helena ultimately perceived that Mithun’s anxieties stemmed from his own guilt, remarking, “It was only later that I realised he had a guilt complex. He himself was fooling around my back and thought I was doing the same.”
Helena was born to a Turkish father and an Anglo-Indian Christian mother, bringing a unique cultural background to her roles in films. She appeared in several films, including Mard, Do Gulaab (1983), Aao Pyaar Karen (1983), and Bhai Aakhir Bhai Hota Hai (1982), leaving a lasting impact in the industry.
Vows, Helena and Mithun separated, marking the beginning of a tumultuous chapter in both their lives. Today, we have the opportunity to speak with filmmaker and friend of the late actress, Ravi Kumar, who knew both Helena and Mithun well during their early careers.
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Ravi. The news of Helena Luke’s passing has saddened many in the film industry. Can you share some memories of her that stand out to you?
**Ravi Kumar**: Thank you for having me. Helena was an incredible talent and a warm-hearted person. I remember working alongside her during the filming of *Mard*. She brought such energy and dedication to her role, making a significant impact on everyone involved. Her portrayal in that film is still celebrated today.
**Interviewer**: Many fans are reflecting on her emotional last social media post. What do you think it reveals about her state of mind leading up to her passing?
**Ravi Kumar**: It’s heartbreaking to see her express feelings of disconnection and confusion just a day before her death. That post shows how much she was struggling internally, even in the face of her illness. It’s a poignant reminder that even those who seem strong and accomplished can face deep turmoil.
**Interviewer**: Helena’s marriage to Mithun Chakraborty was quite notable yet short-lived. How do you think that impacted her life and career?
**Ravi Kumar**: Their relationship was indeed complex. The early separation must have been difficult for Helena, both personally and professionally. There’s often a stigma attached to failed marriages in the industry, and I think it took her some time to navigate that narrative. Despite the challenges, she continued to pursue her craft, which speaks volumes about her resilience.
**Interviewer**: As someone who was close to both Helena and Mithun, how do you hope they will be remembered in the industry?
**Ravi Kumar**: I hope Helen’s legacy will be remembered for her significant contributions to Indian cinema and her unique performances. Mithun is a legend in his own right, but Helena was also a talented actress who deserves to be celebrated for her work. It’s important for us to remember the artists and their struggles, both on-screen and off.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Ravi, for sharing your insights and memories of Helena. Her passing is a tragic loss, and we appreciate your reflections on her life and career.
**Ravi Kumar**: Thank you for highlighting her story. We must support each other in remembering and honoring those we’ve lost, as they’ve shaped our industry in so many ways.
