A new book by former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria reveals how renowned dancer and actor Helen once sought help from underworld don Karim Lala to reclaim her home. The book, titled 'When It All Began: The Untold Stories of the Underworld', documents Mumbai's crime history and the rise of first-generation dons. Helen, now 87 years old, had been thrown out of her own house by her ex-husband, filmmaker PN Arora, who controlled her finances and properties. After suffering mistreatment, she reached out to veteran actor Dilip Kumar and writer-actor Salim Khan for assistance. Dilip Kumar wrote a note to Karim Lala on her behalf. The don, known for his strict code and respect for women, intervened successfully. Within hours, Arora vacated the property, leaving behind all of Helen's belongings and keys with the guard. The book, priced at ₹999, is published by Penguin Random House India and was officially launched in Mumbai.
How the Underworld Don Restored Helen's Property
When Helen arrived at Karim Lala's darbar with Dilip Kumar's note, the gathering recognized the celebrated actor immediately. Lala, though not a film enthusiast, understood her situation after reading the message. He asked his aide to take her to his wife Fatima and later listened to her ordeal. Sensing her honesty, he assured Helen she would regain her home and instructed her to return after a few hours. Upon reaching her house, she found Arora had vacated the premises, leaving all her possessions and keys with the guard. Lala's intervention proved swift and effective, adding property disputes to his underworld portfolio alongside liquor dens and gambling operations.
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