Mumbai, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran actress Helen expressed her gratitude on behalf of her husband and celebrated screenwriter Salim Khan after he was honoured with the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media after accepting the honour on his behalf, Helen said the award was a special recognition of Salim Khan’s immense contribution to Hindi cinema.
“This award that I am receiving today is on behalf of Salim Saab. You all know who Salim Saab is,” Helen said.
Recalling Salim Khan’s reaction after learning about the honour, Helen said he was grateful to everyone who had continued to love and support him.
She added that she was honoured to receive the award on his behalf and shared that all of his films remained among her favourites. Helen also said Salim Khan was in good health and described him as a “very strong man”, adding that he had sent his good wishes to Maharashtra and the people of India.
Helen and Salim Khan first crossed paths professionally while working on the 1963 film Kabli Khan, in which Helen played the female lead and Salim appeared as the antagonist. Helen had previously recalled in interviews that they barely spoke during the film’s making.
The two later reunited during the production of Don in 1978. Written by the iconic Salim-Javed duo, the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer featured Helen as Kamini in the memorable song “Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana”. The film is widely associated with the period when the two grew closer.
Helen and Salim Khan married in 1981. Salim Khan was already married to Salma Khan and had four children. Although their relationship initially faced opposition from the family, Helen eventually became an integral part of the Khan family.
The couple also shared a professional connection through films such as Dostana and Sholay, in which Helen had memorable appearances.
Salim Khan remains one of Hindi cinema’s most influential screenwriters. Along with Javed Akhtar, he co-wrote landmark films including Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Don, Trishul and Dostana, among several other celebrated works.
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