Aradhana

Aradhana

Year: 1969

Runtime: 169 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Shakti Samanta

RomanceDrama

After secretly marrying Arun, Vandana’s world collapses when he dies in an air crash and their marriage is rejected by everyone. Isolated, she is compelled to place her newborn for adoption, then takes a job as the child’s nanny, staying close to the infant she loves.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Aradhana 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 – Aradhana (1969)

Trace every key event in Aradhana (1969) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

First encounter and blossoming romance

Air Force officer Arun Varma sings 'Mere Sapno Ki Rani' as he winds through Darjeeling's hills in an open jeep. Vandana notices him from a passing train window and is instantly captivated. Over a few days of meetings, they fall in love and become engaged.

Darjeeling, West Bengal
2

Secret engagement and temple wedding

The couple chooses to wed in secrecy, exchanging garlands in a temple with God as the witness. They vow to have a formal ceremony later in front of relatives and friends. Their quiet union marks the beginning of a life they hope to build together.

Darjeeling, West Bengal (temple)
3

Rainy shelter and intimate moment

Caught in a heavy downpour, Arun and Vandana take shelter by a flickering fire and grow intimate. Arun reassures Vandana that their bond will endure, telling her not to be ashamed of their love. He promises to return soon so they can marry properly.

Darjeeling hills shelter
4

Tragedy strikes: Arun dies and Vandana is pregnant

Shortly after their vow, Arun dies in a plane crash, leaving Vandana devastated. She discovers she is pregnant with their child, a fact that complicates the families' reaction to her loss. The dual blow reshapes Vandana's future completely.

In flight/plane
5

Family rejection and hardship

Arun's family cannot accept Vandana as his daughter-in-law, worsening Vandana's loneliness. Her father dies, leaving her destitute as she faces an uncertain future. The social and financial pressures tighten around her in the aftermath.

6

Birth of Suraj and the adoption decision

Vandana gives birth to Suraj and faces the impossible choice of giving him up for adoption. Hoping to reunite legally, she lets a childless couple adopt him, setting the stage for a future she cannot yet predict. Still, her bond with Suraj remains a guiding thread in her life.

7

Vandana becomes nanny to Suraj

Determined to stay part of Suraj's life, Vandana takes a job as a nanny in the adoptive family's home. She watches over him from a distance, balancing care with the ache of separation. The arrangement keeps their connection alive despite the separation.

Adoptive parents' home
8

Murder attempt and Vandana's arrest

The employer's brother-in-law attempts to molest Vandana when she is alone at the house, and Suraj intervenes by stabbing him to death. They flee, but the police arrive and Vandana takes the blame for the murder to protect Suraj. She is arrested, beginning a long separation from her son.

Employer's home
9

Release, reunion, and a pilot's presence

Years later, Vandana is released from prison and is introduced to the jailor's daughter, Renu. Vandana then meets Suraj again, now grown and a pilot, who senses a familiar history he cannot quite place. He falls for Renu, while Vandana grapples with the truth about his parentage and her own hidden past.

Jailor's home
10

Suraj's air crash and hospital recovery

Suraj is injured in an air crash, mirroring the fate that once befell his father. He survives and begins a long recovery, surrounded by those who care for him. The crash rekindles questions about his parentage and the secrets that surround his life.

Hospital
11

Madan knows the truth

During Suraj's hospital recovery, Vandana meets Madan, who knows the truth about Arun and Vandana's romance. He is anxious to tell Suraj, but Vandana worries about the consequences of revealing their past. The truth lingers as a looming revelation.

Hospital
12

The revelation: Arun and Vandana are Suraj's parents

While waiting by Vandana's side, Suraj secretly looks through papers and finds Arun's photograph. He realizes that Arun and Vandana are his true parents and understands his mother's sacrifices and courage. The moment marks the emotional convergence of the long-hidden past with Suraj's present.

Hospital room

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 12:31

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 Aradhana

Don't stop at just watching — explore Aradhana 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 Aradhana is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Aradhana Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Aradhana, 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.

Aradhana Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Aradhana

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Aradhana. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Aradhana

More About Aradhana

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Aradhana: 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 Aradhana

Similar Movies to Aradhana

Discover movies like Aradhana 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.