November 4, Mumbai – In a somber turn of events, renowned Bollywood actress Helena Luke, widely known as the first wife of veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty, passed away on November 3 in the United States. While the cause of her passing has not yet been disclosed, the Bollywood fraternity mourns her departure.
Helena Luke made her mark in Indian cinema with her memorable role as a British queen in Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic film Mard. Despite her brief stint in Bollywood, she remains celebrated for her on-screen presence and unique contributions. Her marriage to Mithun Chakraborty lasted only four months, yet her association with the legendary actor-politician has kept her in the public memory.
In what would become her final message on social media, Helena shared her feelings of confusion and unease, posting, “Feeling weird. Mixed emotions and no idea why, discombobulated (sic).” The news of her passing was confirmed by close friend and actor Kalpana Iyer through a heartfelt post on social media.
After leaving Bollywood, Helena relocated to the United States, where she pursued a successful career in the airline industry. Her journey is a testament to resilience, moving from a Bollywood starlet to a professional career in a completely different field while leaving behind a legacy that resonates with Hindi cinema enthusiasts.
This news comes as Mithun Chakraborty, an iconic figure in Indian cinema, continues to make headlines. Recently honored as the 54th recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Mithun joins the ranks of Indian cinema giants like Raj Kapoor, Lata Mangeshkar, and Waheeda Rehman, the latter having received the award in 2021. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award, instituted in 1969, is regarded as India’s highest cinematic honor.
Earlier this year, Mithun was briefly hospitalized in Kolkata following a health scare, diagnosed with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Accident. Despite health concerns, he continues to contribute to the entertainment industry and was last seen in Suman Ghosh’s Bengali film Kabuliwala, which premiered in December 2023.
Helena Luke’s passing is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of fame and life. As Bollywood mourns her departure, her legacy and contributions to the film industry endure in the hearts of her fans and the history of Indian cinema.
