Dil Kya Kare

Dil Kya Kare

Year: 1999

Runtime: 158 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Prakash Jha

RomanceDrama

Anand Kishore, his wife Kavita and their daughter Neha enjoy a peaceful, contented life in Delhi. Their tranquility shatters when Kavita discovers that Neha is being stalked by a mysterious woman named Nandita Rai, thrusting the family into fear and uncertainty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dil Kya Kare 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 – Dil Kya Kare (1999)

Trace every key event in Dil Kya Kare (1999) 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

Happy family and Neha's adoption

Anand and Kavita enjoy a happy life with their adopted daughter Neha, which followed Kavita's infertility and miscarriage. Kavita maintains a close friendship with Som Datt, whose love for her has gone unrequited since college. The family feels complete, even as quiet tensions simmer beneath the surface.

Present day Anand and Kavita's home
2

Kavita meets a mysterious visitor at Neha's school

Kavita grows worried when a strange woman begins visiting Neha at school. The woman introduces herself as Nandita and asks to spend more time with Neha. Kavita invites Nandita into their home as a guest, hoping to understand the woman's intentions.

Present day Kavita's home
3

The secret revealed: Neha's biological parents

When Nandita and Anand come face-to-face, deeply buried secrets surface. It is revealed that Anand and Nandita are Neha's biological parents. The revelation shocks Kavita and threatens the stability of their marriage.

Present day Kavita's home
4

The train backstory begins

Years earlier, Anand and Nandita were strangers on a hijacked train. Anand saves Nandita's life, and they sleep together, not knowing each other's names. On a stop, Nandita disembarks, leaving Anand unaware that they conceived a child.

Years ago On a train
5

Nandita gives up the baby for adoption

Unmarried and unaware of the baby's father, Nandita is forced by her father to give up the child for adoption. The child would later become Neha. This decision sets in motion a hidden lineage that will cross paths years later.

Years ago Nandita's home
6

Adoption of Neha by Anand and Kavita

Anand and Kavita lose their unborn baby in an accident and go to an orphanage to adopt a seven-day-old baby. Unbeknownst to them, the baby is Neha, the child of Anand and Nandita. They raise Neha for years.

Years ago Orphanage
7

Nandita locates the family

Nandita tracks down the couple who adopted Neha, unaware that she is at their home. Anand and Nandita are startled to see each other again and fear Kavita will discover their past.

Present day Anand and Kavita's home
8

Anand hides his past

Anand tries to speak with Nandita, but he avoids revealing the past. He pretends to make blank calls at a remote construction site, hoping Kavita will think the calls are harmless pranks. Kavita grows suspicious, fearing an affair.

Present day Remote construction site
9

Kavita discovers the truth and contemplates divorce

Kavita learns the truth and is overwhelmed with jealousy and rage, convinced Anand and Nandita had an affair. Anand protests, explaining that he never knew Neha was his daughter and that the adoption was a coincidence. She files for divorce.

Present day Anand and Kavita's home
10

Courthouse confrontation and a compromise offer

At the courthouse, Anand pleads with Kavita to reconsider. Nandita explains she wants Neha to stay with Kavita and Anand but will take Neha with her on the condition that she takes Neha with her. Kavita refuses to give up Neha, and Anand reluctantly supports Nandita's plan to keep Neha with them.

Present day Courthouse
11

Nandita's heartbreaking decision

Nandita, who has always regretted giving Neha up, decides to leave Neha in Anand and Kavita's care. She resolves to part from Neha rather than tear apart the family. Her decision is a painful but protective compromise.

Present day Courthouse
12

Final farewell at the train station

Anand hurries to the train station and arrives just as Nandita is on a moving train. She looks back at him with tearful eyes, signaling a poignant goodbye. Neha's future remains with Anand and Kavita.

Present day Train station

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 11:11

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 Dil Kya Kare

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

Dil Kya Kare Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dil Kya Kare, 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.

Dil Kya Kare Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dil Kya Kare

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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Dil Kya Kare

Dil Kya Kare Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Dil Kya Kare that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Dil Kya Kare Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dil Kya Kare

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dil Kya Kare: 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 Dil Kya Kare

Similar Movies to Dil Kya Kare

Discover movies like Dil Kya Kare 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.