Year: 1973
Runtime: 169 mins
Language: Hindi
Director: Raj Kapoor
Raja, an 18‑year‑old heir to a wealthy Bombay business empire, endures the cold neglect of his parents. After graduating, he meets Bobby, a 16‑year‑old Christian fisherman's daughter, and they instantly fall in love. Determined to be together, they must confront the rigid opposition of both families, who cannot accept their union.
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Set in Bombay, this story traces a forbidden romance between Raja ‘Raj’ Nath, [Rishi Kapoor] Nath, and Bobby Braganza, [Dimple Kapadia] Braganza, two teenagers from drastically different worlds. Raj is the son of a wealthy Hindu businessman, Ram Nath, [Pran Sikand] Nath, while Bobby is the daughter of a poor Goan Christian fisherman, Jack Braganza, [Premnath Malhotra] Braganza. Their worlds collide when Raj returns home from boarding school and his family hosts a birthday party. At the gathering, Mrs. Braganza, [Durga Khote], arrives with Bobby, and Sushma Nath, [Sonia Sahni], the mother of Raj, brushes aside the gesture, leaving Mrs. Braganza to leave the party with Bobby in a rush.
The next day, Raj discovers Mrs. Braganza’s gift among his presents and longs to meet her in person. When Bobby opens the door at the Braganzas’ home, he is struck by love at first sight. A shared moment over a book exchange leads them to a quiet meeting at the library, where their friendship begins to deepen. They attempt to go see a movie, only to find a full house, and then pivot to a lively party instead. At the party, Bobby misreads Raj’s closeness with Nima, [Aruna Irani], the dance partner of Sushma’s companion, and believes Raj is romantically involved with Nima. Afraid of losing Raj, she ends their relationship and flees to Kashmir.
Raj follows to Kashmir and clears the misunderstanding, prompting Bobby to renew their bond. Yet Ram’s disapproval casts a long shadow over the couple. Jack and Mrs. Braganza support the relationship, but Ram cannot accept the idea of his son loving the daughter of a fisherman. In a bid to separate them, Ram invites Jack to a talk but instead insults him, offering a cash bribe to end Bobby’s association with Raj. Offended, Jack responds in kind and leaves with Bobby, forbidding her to see Raj again. To sever the bond, Jack relocates Bobby and Mrs. Braganza to Goa.
Fuelled by anger and a sense of injustice, Raj confronts Ram and opposes an arranged marriage Ram is pushing: a union with the wealthy Alka ‘Nikki’ Sharma, [Farida Jalal], to strengthen business ties with her father, Mr. Sharma, [Pinchoo Kapoor]. Sushma and Nima do not support this plan, and, following Nima’s advice, Raj cuts ties with his father and travels to Goa to reunite with Bobby, who runs away with him. Ram responds by placing a Rs. 25,000 reward for Raj’s whereabouts, hoping the couple will be torn apart.
When a local, greedy goon, [Prem Chopra], and his henchmen spot Raj and Bobby in the newspaper, they capture the teenagers in a bid to claim the reward. As the pair struggle to break free, Prem Chopra and his men beat Raj while restraining Bobby. Jack comes to their aid, attacking the goon, only to be beaten back by Prem’s gang. The arrest of Prem Chopra and his crew follows, witnessed by Ram and the police. Raj and Bobby escape amid the confusion, resolved to shield their relationship from interference.
In a desperate moment, the lovers decide to end their lives by leaping from a waterfall, after a fiery rebuke of Ram for fueling the feud. In a dramatic turn, Ram and Jack leap in to save them just in time. The near-tragic episode shakes both families to their core, prompting them to reflect on their feud’s costs. Realizing the folly that nearly drove their children to ruin, Ram and Jack bury the hatchet and vow never to interfere again. They offer each other blessings for Raj and Bobby’s relationship, and the families reunite, heading home with a renewed sense of hope and harmony.
Raj Nath’s journey is anchored by [Rishi Kapoor], who embodies Raj’s blend of warmth, pride, and stubborn love.
Bobby Braganza’s steadfast affection is brought to life by [Dimple Kapadia], whose portrayal captures the courage and vulnerability necessary to bridge two worlds.
The film also features strong supporting figures who shape the conflict and its resolution, including [Durga Khote] as Mrs. Braganza, [Sonia Sahni] as Sushma Nath, [Aruna Irani] as Nima, [Prem Chopra] as a ruthless goon, [Farida Jalal] as Alka ‘Nikki’ Sharma, [Pinchoo Kapoor] as Mr. Sharma, [Shashi Kiran] as Shyam, [Jagdish Raj] as the Police Inspector, and [Piloo J. Wadia] as Mrs. Pestonji. Their presence adds depth to the social dynamics, family loyalties, and the pressure of tradition that the central couple must navigate.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:10
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