Bhupendra Kapoor

In Calcutta at the turn of the century, two families (one wealthier than the other but both belonging to the same caste) live in adjoining properties. Their respective patriarchs fall out over the repayment of a loan and the intervention of a member of a lower caste in the families' financial arrangements. The rift causes much heartache to the younger members of the families, two of whom have secretly plighted their troth to each other.

At the behest of his father, Raj writes letters to Chandra, a prospective bride. However, unbeknownst to him, it is Neelu, Chandra's sister, who responds to his letters and falls in love with him.

A young boy travels to Delhi, wanting to meet Prime Minister to seek justice for his father who has been wrongly sentenced to death.

Two orphans are forced by their abusive aunt to beg in the streets of Bombay. They take up shining shoes but are separated from each other.