When Salman Khan's Stepmom Helen Was Thrown Out By Her First Husband

Helen’s crisis and betrayal

Helen, celebrated for her iconic Bollywood dance numbers, went through a devastating personal crisis when her first husband, filmmaker P.N. Arora, threw her out of the house she had bought with her own earnings. As his career declined, he allegedly took control of her finances, became increasingly abusive, and ultimately forced her to leave the home with no legal or police support.

Marriage to P.N. Arora

Helen married P.N. Arora, a much older filmmaker who gradually assumed control over her income and property. Over time he reportedly depended entirely on her wealth, and the relationship deteriorated to the point where she lost access to assets she had worked hard to acquire.

Turning to friends in cinema

Homeless and distressed after being expelled from her own house, Helen turned to close friends in the film industry for help. Among those who supported her were renowned writer Salim Khan, who later became her husband, and legendary actor Dilip Kumar, who stepped in to find a way to protect her.

Appeal to don Karim Lala

Dilip Kumar attempted to contact the powerful Mumbai underworld figure Karim Lala on Helen’s behalf and, when he could not reach him directly, wrote a letter asking Lala to listen to her story. Helen went personally to meet Karim Lala, who led the influential Pathan gang and was feared for his control over gambling, extortion, and the illicit liquor trade, yet had a reputation for defending women.

Meeting and protection

When Helen arrived before Karim Lala, the atmosphere reportedly fell silent as he read Dilip Kumar’s letter and understood the seriousness of her situation. He instructed his men to treat her with respect, sending her first to his wife Fatima and then speaking with her personally about the injustice she had faced.

Justice without violence

After listening to Helen’s tearful account, Karim Lala promised to restore her property and ensure she received justice. Within about two hours, Helen returned to find that P.N. Arora had vacated the house completely and left the keys with the security guard, a result achieved solely through Lala’s fearsome reputation rather than physical violence.

“Karim Lala’s fearsome reputation had ensured justice without a single act of violence.”

Author’s summary

A vulnerable Helen, betrayed by her husband and failed by the system, reclaimed her home through the influence of underworld don Karim Lala, revealing Mumbai’s stark blend of glamour, power and informal justice.

News18 — 2025-11-29