Baiju Bawra

As a child, Baiju watches his father die defending the right to sing against Tansen. The scuffle ends with his father's death and a promise of vengeance from Baiju. This vow threads through his early life and motivates his rise as a musician.

Baiju is sheltered by a village priest who becomes his mentor and guardian. He pursues music on his own while his love for Gauri, the boatman's daughter, blooms. The looming shadow of revenge hovers as he discovers the power of love.

A raiding band of dacoits attacks Baiju's village, but his singing persuades them to spare the villagers. The female dacoit leader falls in love with him and invites him to her fortress as a condition for mercy. He leaves Gauri behind, drawn by the lure of vengeance and new alliances.

Inside the fort, the princess explains that her father's fiefdom was usurped and she seeks revenge. The revelation awakens Baiju's memories of his vow and unsettles him. He exits the fort in agitation, torn between love and revenge.

Baiju sneaks into the Mughal palace and is awestruck by Tansen's singing. A sword meant for him instead knocks the tanpura over, and Tansen remarks that he could only be killed by music. This encounter pushes Baiju to seek true mastery beyond conventional prowess.

Baiju seeks guidance from Swami Haridas and presents his plan for revenge. Haridas teaches that true music must come from love, and accepts Baiju as a disciple while gifting him a veena. Baiju begins training, moving toward deeper devotion at the temple.

When Haridas falls seriously ill, Baiju's singing moves the master enough to rise from his bed. The moment proves Baiju's artistry can move hearts and bodies alike. Haridas's revival strengthens Baiju's resolve to master music.

Gauri, distraught by Baiju's departure, contemplates taking poison to cope with her pain. The exiled princess explains that she knows Baiju's whereabouts, pushing Gauri to consider a return. Gauri then decides to confront Baiju, hoping he will come back, but Baiju remains focused on his vow.

Hearing about the feud and his vow, Gauri sacrifices herself as a weapon of heartbreak. Baiju arrives to find her lifeless body and is driven to madness by grief. He retreats to the Shiva temple and sings a heart-wrenching lament, moving even the temple idol to tears.

Baiju travels to Tansen's city, singing along the way and earning the nickname bawra. He is captured and imprisoned, but the princess who aided him earlier frees him during a failed escape. Their flight is foiled again by Mughal soldiers, setting the stage for a monumental duel.

Emperor Akbar sits to witness the rival performances as the two masters push their craft to the limit. Baiju finally demonstrates prowess by melting a marble slab with his singing and wins the duel. Tansen accepts the defeat with grace, recognizing Baiju's genius.

Baiju persuades Akbar to spare Tansen's life, return the princess's land, and allow music to flourish in the streets. He departs the court with a vow to use his power to improve the realm rather than to wield vengeance. Akbar remains wary but hopeful about music's place in the world.

To keep Baiju at court, Akbar asks Tansen to conjure a storm by singing Megh. The film notes this scene was cut, but the idea underscores the peril of wielding art as political power. The tension lingers as the possibility of awe-inspiring consequences remains.

With Baiju gone, Gauri endures mockery from the village and faces her father’s demand that she either find Baiju or marry a moneylender. She refuses to reveal Baiju's whereabouts, hoping for his eventual return. The social pressure deepens the tragedy surrounding their separation.

When Baiju learns that Gauri is alive and waiting across the swollen Yamuna, he pushes a boat into the river and begins to sing. Gauri runs toward the riverbank, hearing his voice, and the lovers drown together as the tale ends.