Helen opens up about marrying Salim Khan: Salma Khan must have gone through a lot, I never ever wanted a separation

It was a tough situation in the Khan family when Helen tied the knot with veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, who was already married to his first wife Salma Khan (Sushila Charak). Salim and Salma were also parents to three sons Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan and Salman Khan. Recalling the time, Helen said that Salma must have gone through a lot adding that she never ever wanted a separation from the family.
"He (Salim) gave me a role (in a film). We became friends, mummy was very nice; (it must have been tough) for your mom, she must have gone through a lot at that time. I think destiny brought me close to all of you and I must thank all of you," Helen told Arbaaz in the new teaser of The Invincibles. She almost choked up while saying, "I never ever wanted a separation from the family (for Salim)."

During the 50s and 60s, Salim had helped Helen bag several projects in the film industry. They soon became good friends and fell in love with each other. While Salim was 45, Helen was 42 at that time. The two got married in 1980. Salim and Salma had tied the knot in 1954 after dating for a few years. They also have two daughters Alvira Khan and Arpita Khan.
In the same episode, Helen also talked about her dance numbers. "I was very lucky to be able to continue dancing (in films) till the age of 42. People used to think that 'film industry main kaam nahi karna chahiye, yeh achi baat nahi hai'. The heroines practically took over, they started wearing clothes that no heroine would wear in those days. It was my destiny, – this much Helen and no further."
The actor-dancer also revealed how she respected Salim's first wife, Salma Khan, and tried her best to keep a distance from her during the initial days of their relationship.