Year: 2016
Runtime: 151 min
Language: Hindi
Director: Gauri Shinde
A young woman at a crossroads in her life seeks guidance from a unconventional therapist. As Kaira explores her past and present, she confronts relationship challenges and begins to understand the importance of pursuing her passions. Through insightful conversations with Dr. Jehangir, she gains a new perspective, reconciling with her past experiences and ultimately finding a path towards self-discovery and a more fulfilling future.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Dear Zindagi 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!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Dear Zindagi (2016), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The story unfolds in the vibrant locales of Mumbai and Goa, where Kaira (Alia Bhatt) thrives as a talented cinematographer. Surrounded by her close-knit circle of friends, including Fatima (Ira Dubey), Jackie (Yashaswini Dayama), and Ganju (Gautmik), her world turns upside down when the love of her life, Raghuvendra (Kunal Kapoor), a film producer, becomes engaged to another woman. Kaira makes a tough decision to end her relationship with Sid (Angad Bedi), the owner of a Restobar, only to be left more heartbroken.
After a series of manipulative encounters, Raghuvendra lures Kaira into a film project in the US, hoping to rekindle their romance. However, he ultimately abandons her, announcing his engagement to his ex over a phone call from America. To add to her despair, Kaira faces eviction from her apartment due to the building’s preference for married tenants. This triggers her reluctant move back to Goa to live with her parents, a situation she deeply resents, as it leads to countless sleepless nights filled with anxiety.
In Goa, she stumbles upon Dr. Jehangir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan), a psychologist who piques her interest during a Mental Health Awareness Conference. After consulting him regarding her insomnia, Kaira meets Raghuvendra, confronting him about her decision to withdraw from his film. Raghu accuses her of being unwilling to commit, leaving Kaira even more confused and hurt.
During this tumultuous time, Kaira crosses paths with Rumi (Ali Zafar), a charming musician, but fear drives her to retreat before their connection deepens. She also reconnects with her younger brother, Kiddo. Family tensions escalate, leading to a dramatic confrontation at a family gathering where Kaira vents her frustrations about her parents abandoning her to live with her grandparents. Her father failed in the export business, resulting in her being raised away from her parents’ care—a deeply scarring experience that left her heartbroken and bitter.
As the narrative unfolds, Kaira opens up to Jug about her past, revealing the source of her fear of abandonment, which has hindered her ability to commit to relationships. Jug’s insight proves invaluable, as he encourages her to view her parents as flawed individuals rather than perfect characters, imparting wisdom with profound words: > “Don’t let the past blackmail your present to ruin a beautiful future.” Motivated by this realization, Kaira endeavors to mend her relationship with her parents and completes her short film.
However, when she asks Jug out on a date during their final session, he declines, citing professional boundaries. The film culminates with the premiere of Kaira’s project, where she encounters a furniture dealer, hinting at the possibility of a new romance waiting to blossom in her life.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:31
Don't stop at just watching — explore Dear Zindagi 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 Dear Zindagi is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Dear Zindagi with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Dear Zindagi 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.
Dear Zindagi (2016) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Dear Zindagi (2016) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Dear Zindagi – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Girls Will Be Girls (2024) Movie Recap & Themes
Gehraiyaan (2022) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Dear Zoe (2022) Detailed Story Recap
Raazi (2018) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Actual People (2022) Full Movie Breakdown
Khandaani Shafakhana (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Fanaa (2006) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Laaga Chunari Mein Daag: Journey of a Woman (2007) Full Movie Breakdown
Little Zizou (2008) Movie Recap & Themes
Zakhmi (2020) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Signature Move (2017) Full Movie Breakdown
Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019) Film Overview & Timeline
Saawariya (2007) Detailed Story Recap
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown