Helena Luke, actress and the first wife of actor-politician Mithun Chakraborty, passed away in the United States on November 3. The cause of her death has not yet been disclosed. Helena gained recognition for her role as a British queen in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer Mard and was briefly married to Mithun Chakraborty, with their marriage lasting only four months. Mithun married to actress Yogeeta Bali in the same year.
In what would be her final post on Facebook, Helena shared her emotions, writing, “Feeling weird. Mixed emotions and no idea why, discombobulated (sic).” Her passing was confirmed on social media by dancer and actor Kalpana Iyer, who shared the news with fans and friends.
After her short stint in Bollywood, Helena Luke moved to the United States, where she transitioned to a career in the airline industry. While her film career was brief, her role in Hindi cinema has left a lasting impression on audiences who remember her performances. Helena’s choice to settle in the U.S. marked a new chapter in her life, where she continued to work outside of the film industry.
While Helena’s death brings her memory to the forefront, her former husband, Mithun Chakraborty, recently received the prestigious 54th Dadasaheb Phalke Award, a lifetime achievement award for contributions to Indian cinema.
Earlier this year, Mithun faced a health scare after experiencing chest pain. He was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata, where he was diagnosed with an ischemic cerebrovascular accident. Despite this, he continued his work in cinema and was recently seen in Kabuliwala, a Bengali film directed by Suman Ghosh, released in December 2023.
In addition to the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Mithun Chakraborty is also a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, celebrating his extensive contributions to Indian film.
Helena Luke’s legacy in cinema, though brief, and her life journey serve as a reminder of the diverse paths individuals take after their time in the spotlight. As Mithun Chakraborty continues to be celebrated, Helena’s memory is cherished by those who remember her presence on screen.
