Cuckoo Moray: Bollywood’s first 'Item Girl' who trained Helen but died in poverty

For decades, Helen defined the 'item number' in Bollywood. Her dazzling cabaret performances, from 'Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu' to numerous unforgettable dance numbers, became the heartbeat of Hindi cinema. She wasn’t just a dancer; she was an institution. Producers depended on her glamour, and audiences adored her magnetic stage presence. Helen became a symbol of grace, sensuality, and style, proving that a dance number could be just as important as the storyline itself.

The Woman Behind Helen’s Journey: Cuckoo Moray

But few remember that before Helen, there was Cuckoo Moray (Kuku Moray)- Bollywood’s original 'cabaret queen' and the first true item girl of Indian cinema. Dominating the 1940s and 1950s, Kuku was the name that filmmakers relied on when they needed a dance number to dazzle the audience. Slim, athletic, and full of charm, she brought cabaret to the Indian screen at a time when it was still new and bold. And it was Kuku who first spotted a teenage Helen and helped her enter the world of films, unknowingly shaping the next era of item numbers.

Stardom, Craze and a Flamboyant Life

At the peak of her fame, Kuku Moray was a sensation. She performed in major films, commanded impressive fees, and enjoyed a lifestyle that matched her stardom. Known for her westernized fashion, confidence, and unmatched flexibility on stage, she embodied modernity in post-Independence Bollywood. Audiences adored her bold performances, and producers considered her a lucky charm for commercial success. For nearly a decade, Kuku was the undisputed queen of cabaret, paving the way for future generations of item dancers.

The Forgotten Final Years

But like many stars of her era, Kuku’s fame did not last. As cinematic trends shifted and younger faces like Helen rose to prominence, her demand in films faded away. The glamorous lifestyle she once lived disappeared, leaving her vulnerable and struggling. 

Reports suggest that in her later years, Kuku faced severe poverty, reduced to begging for food at times. The woman who had once defined dance and style in Hindi cinema died in obscurity, her contribution largely forgotten by the very industry she helped build.

A Reminder From Bollywood’s Past

Kuku Moray’s journey is a stark reminder that the glitter of cinema often hides a darker reality. While Helen’s name remains etched in history, her mentor- the first woman to make item numbers a celebrated part of Bollywood- slipped into oblivion. Her life story reflects a painful truth: in the world of glamour, stardom is fleeting, and not every shining star gets to enjoy the light forever.