Dil

Dil

Year: 1990

Runtime: 172 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Indra Kumar

RomanceDramaComedy

Raja, living in poverty with his parents, attends college and clashes with the wealthy Madhu Mehra. Their rivalry turns sour when she accuses him of sexual molestation. Seeing an opportunity, Raja’s father pretends to be a businessman, courts Madhu’s father and arranges a marriage between families, but events at engagement upend everyone’s lives.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Dil (1990)

Trace every key event in Dil (1990) 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

Hazari's dowry scheme begins

Miserly Hazari Prasad plans to secure a rich dowry by arranging a marriage for his spendthrift son Raja. He targets a high-status bride through calculated proposals and uses money to influence perceptions of wealth. This sets the stage for the family’s ruthless pursuit of advantageous matches.

Opening
2

Raja meets Madhu Mehra

Raja, a carefree college student, meets the beautiful and arrogant Madhu Mehra. He pretends to be blind to mislead her, and she discovers the deception, triggering a pair of playful pranks between them. Their initial clash plants the seeds for a complicated romance.

Early meeting College campus
3

Hazari befriends Durgesh

Hazari’s wastepaper connection and feigned wealth earn him a place in Durgesh’s circle, Madhu’s wealthy father. He crafts an alliance idea by pretending to share riches to push Raja and Madhu together. The plan hinges on deceiving Durgesh about Hazari’s true finances.

Early plot Durgesh residence / circles
4

Discovery of the arranged plan

Raja and Madhu learn that their fathers are engineering an alliance for marriage based on wealth rather than affection. They reject the cynical plan and confront the family’s machinations. The couple’s bond begins to form as their mutual resistance grows.

Pre-retreat
5

Weekend college retreat and accusation

During a weekend college retreat, Madhu falsely accuses Raja of attempting to rape him, ruining his reputation among peers. Raja lashes back, criticizing her dishonesty, while secretly, both begin to harbor genuine feelings for each other. The incident complicates their relationship and confirms their chemistry.

Weekend College retreat location
6

Love blossoms

Despite the public blow to his reputation, Madhu’s feelings toward Raja deepen, and he starts to fall in love with her as well. Their romance grows in secret as they navigate parental opposition. The two characters shift from antagonism to affection.

After retreat
7

Durgesh discovers Hazari's lies

Durgesh uncovers Hazari’s true financial situation and the deception behind the alliance. He insults Hazari, exposing the fraud that underpins the arranged match. The confrontation heightens the conflict between the two families and pushes Raja and Madhu further apart.

After retreat Mehra household / Durgesh's circle
8

Forbidden union and clandestine meetings

Durgesh forbids Raja and Madhu from seeing each other, but the lovers defy the ban and continue to meet in secret. Their determination strengthens their bond even as the external pressure mounts. The romance survives despite the looming threat of social consequences.

Post-discovery Various locations
9

Raja marries Madhu in secret

When Durgesh learns of their secret meetings, he hires thugs to beat Raja. In a daring move, Raja sneaks into the Mehra house and marries Madhu, sealing their commitment to each other despite parental opposition. The newlyweds face immediate repulsion from Durgesh.

After wedding attempt Mehra house
10

Banishment and poverty

Durgesh banishes Madhu from the Mehra house and Hazari disowns Raja. The couple moves into a small shack and, with Raja working as a construction worker, begin a life of poverty. Yet they persevere, clinging to their love.

Post-marriage Shack / construction site
11

Raja's injury and the price of help

Raja is injured at a construction site, forcing Madhu to seek funds for an emergency operation from Hazari. Hazari agrees to provide money only if Madhu divorces Raja, and he confiscates her wedding necklace to enforce the demand. The couple’s precarious health and finances strain their relationship.

After injury Construction site / Hazari residence
12

Madhu's return and the promise of forgiveness

Madhu returns to Durgesh after the operation, is forgiven for her actions, but she is ordered never to see Raja again. The separation tests the couple but does not end their love. The warding off from family forces a temporary distance.

Post-operation Durgesh residence
13

Raja believes Madhu deserted

After recovering, Hazari lies that Madhu never visited the hospital, leading Raja to believe she deserted him. He returns to his family home, thinking their marriage has failed. The lie drives a wedge between him and the truth of Madhu’s sacrifice.

Post-recovery Raja's home
14

Savitri uncovers the blackmail

Raja’s mother Savitri reveals that Madhu was being blackmailed by Hazari, explaining the manipulation behind the earlier events. The confession reframes the feud and shows Madhu’s true motive was fear as well. It reignites the couple's hope for reunion.

Moment of revelation SavitrI's home
15

Plane to London but reunion wins

Raja races to stop Madhu from boarding a plane to London, but he arrives too late to stop the takeoff; however, she decides not to go and meets him instead. The couple reunites, and Hazari and Durgesh repent for their deeds as the family reconciles.

Ending Airport / London bound

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 15:06

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