Anand

Anand

Year: 1971

Runtime: 122 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Hrishikesh Mukherjee

DramaMoving relationship storiesPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingTouching and sentimental family storiesDazzling vocal performances and musicals

Dr. Bhaskar Bannerjee, a compassionate physician haunted by the daily poverty and suffering of his patients, treats Anand, a cancer patient who learns his death is imminent. Determined to make the most of his remaining days, Anand resolves to live fully, seeking joy and meaning in every moment, while Dr. Bannerjee strives to bring comfort amid the bleak circumstances.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Anand yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Anand (1971)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Anand (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1970s

Set in the early 1970s, the story reflects a contemporary India where medicine, fame, and everyday struggles intersect. It portrays modern urban life, hospitals, and the social dynamics that govern access to care. The events unfold over several months as Anand's illness progresses, driving character choices about living and loving.

Location

Mumbai, Delhi

The narrative unfolds primarily in Mumbai, where an award ceremony and Bhaskar's medical work take place. The city showcases stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, influencing the characters' decisions and interactions. Delhi appears in the backstory as a memory linked to Anand, highlighting cross-city ties that shape the film's emotional landscape.

🏙️ Mumbai 🗺️ India 🏥 Medical Hub

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:34

Main Characters – Anand (1971)

Meet the key characters of Anand (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Bhaskar Banerjee "Babu Moshai" (Amitabh Bachchan)

An oncologist who treats the poor for free and is blunt about the limits of medicine. He grapples with despair at human suffering and the gap between idealism and reality. Over the course of the story, his friendship with Anand and his pursuit of love reveal a more hopeful, humane side.

👨🏻‍⚕️ Doctor 🧭 Morality 💙 Compassion

Anand Saigal (Rajesh Khanna)

A cheerful, dying young man who uses humor to uplift others. His infectious optimism draws people to him and softens the harsh edges of illness. Through his friendship with Bhaskar, he teaches a philosophy of living fully despite a terminal prognosis.

🎭 Jovial 💫 Optimist 🫶 Empathy

Dr. Prakash Kulkarni (Ramesh Deo)

A doctor who profits by treating imaginary illnesses of the rich to fund care for the poor. His path contrasts with Bhaskar’s idealism, highlighting social and ethical tensions within medical practice.

💼 Doctor 💵 Pragmatist ⚖️ Social commentary

Isa Bhai Suratwala (Johnny Walker)

A theater actor who becomes a close confidant of Anand. He injects levity and warmth into the group, illustrating how art and friendship can provide respite from illness.

🎭 Artist 🗣️ Social bond 🎬 Entertainment

Renu (Sumita Sanyal)

A patient Bhaskar treats for pneumonia who later becomes Bhaskar’s love interest. She embodies resilience and the possibility of happiness amid illness, influencing Bhaskar’s emotional growth.

💑 Love Interest 🧬 Resilience 🧡 Compassion

Renu's mother (Durga Khote)

A protective maternal figure who ultimately blesses Bhaskar and Renu’s marriage, underscoring the importance of family support in navigating social expectations.

👩‍👧 Family 💬 Blessing 🙏 Guidance

Mrs. Sanyal (Lalita Kumari)

A senior matriarch whose presence anchors family dynamics and reflects traditional social roles within the community.

👵 Family 🏠 Community 👩 Authority

Mrs. D'Sa (Lalita Pawar)

A friend and confidante who provides social insight and practical perspective within Bhaskar’s circle.

👩️ Social circle 🗣️ Advisor 🫶 Support

Raghu Kaka (Dev Kishan)

An elder, warm figure representing community generosity and practical wisdom that nurtures the protagonists.

🧔 Elder 🫶 Community 🪶 Wisdom

Moni Baba (Brahm Bhardwaj)

A supporting character who adds to the tapestry of friendships and everyday life in the lives of Bhaskar and Anand.

🤝 Ally 🧭 Wisdom 🗂️ Mentor

Papaji (Dara Singh)

A strong, paternal figure whose presence offers sturdy support and a sense of guidance within the circle.

🧔 Mentor 💪 Strength 🧭 Guiding

Chandranath (Asit Sen)

A companion in the ensemble, contributing to the interwoven stories around Bhaskar and Anand.

👥 Ensemble 🗒️ Support 🎭 Theater

Suman Kulkarni (Seema Deo)

A member of Bhaskar’s social circle who adds to the moral and relational dynamics of the film.

👩 Social circle 🧭 Guidance 🕊️ Hope

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:34

Major Themes – Anand (1971)

Explore the central themes of Anand (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Compassion

Bhaskar's commitment to treating the poor without charge anchors the film in acts of genuine care. His blunt honesty about suffering contrasts with the comforts of wealth, underscoring that empathy can persist even amid hardship. The doctor-patient friendship demonstrates that care extends beyond clinical treatment.

🎗️ Friendship

Anand builds deep bonds with Bhaskar, Isa Bhai, and others, showing how companionship can be a lifeline against illness. Humor and warmth from friends provide solace and a sense of community during dark times. The film uses these relationships to illustrate how shared humanity helps characters endure suffering.

⏳ Mortality

Anand's terminal illness frames a meditation on life and death, inviting characters to rethink what matters most. The recording of intimate moments and the final ballooning sequence emphasize memory and spirit over physical decline. The film asks what survives when the body fails: memory, joy, and the bonds we leave behind.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:34

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Anand

Don't stop at just watching — explore Anand in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Anand is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Anand Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Anand, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Anand Summary

Anand Timeline

Track the full timeline of Anand with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Anand Timeline

More About Anand

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Anand: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Anand

Similar Movies to Anand

Discover movies like Anand that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.