Laawaris

Laawaris

Year: 1981

Runtime: 203 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Prakash Mehra

ActionDrama

Left in the care of the alcoholic Gangu Ganpat, orphan Heera, who names himself after a stray dog, learns to survive on the streets. As a young man he works for Mahendar Singh and falls for Mohini, who rejects him for his unknown lineage. Determined to discover his parents, Heera turns to the only possible source—Gangu, whose constant drunkenness leaves him vague and unreliable.

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Timeline & Setting – Laawaris (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Laawaris (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1951, 1981

The narrative spans three decades, beginning with Vidya’s 1951 pregnancy and death, then following Heera’s upbringing and eventual adulthood in 1981. It reflects post-independence India's evolving social norms, family obligations, and economic shifts. The passage of time frames personal tragedy against a backdrop of changing industry and class dynamics.

Location

India, hill station estate, factory

The story unfolds in India, moving from a wartime/post-independence context to an urban-industrial setting. Key locations include a hill station estate where the family lives and a factory where workers are exploited. The contrast between opulent estates and crowded factory floors highlights social hierarchies and changing economic realities over time.

🎬 Indian drama 🎶 Musical backdrop 🏛 Family saga

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:44

Main Characters – Laawaris (1981)

Meet the key characters of Laawaris (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Heera (Amitabh Bachchan)

Orphaned at birth and raised by the drunkard Gangu Ganpat, Heera grows into a principled, resilient man who fights for workers' rights. His resolve to challenge unfair labor practices drives much of the plot, while he navigates his emerging lineage and sense of belonging. Heera's pursuit of justice intertwines with a personal quest for identity within a fractured family.

👨‍👦 Family 🛠 Labor 🧭 Identity

Ranvir Singh (Amjad Khan)

A successful but guilt-ridden businessman who betrayed Vidya by pressuring for abortion and abandoning their child. He lives an unhappy life with his wife on an estate, haunted by his past. Ultimately, he confronts his actions and accepts Heera as his legitimate son, restoring a sense of family ties.

👔 Business 🕊 Redemption 🏛 Family legacy

Vidya (Rakhee Gulzar)

A famous singer whose love for Heera’s father and her own choices propel the story. She dies in childbirth, leaving behind a legacy that deeply affects Heera and the family dynamics. Her memory and music symbolize a bittersweet reminder of love and sacrifice.

🎶 Music 👩‍❤️‍👨 Love 🕊 Motherhood

Mohini (Zeenat Aman)

The daughter of Kailash Nath who falls in love with Heera without knowing his true identity. Her romance adds emotional depth and personal risk to Heera’s journey, complicating loyalties and future prospects. Her presence highlights themes of desire and social perception.

💘 Romance 🏔 Mountain setting 💡 Secret identity

Gangu Ganpat (Shreeram Lagoo)

A drunkard who initially intends to kill the newborn baby but chooses to raise Heera instead, hoping to profit from the situation. His decision creates a surrogate family and the foundations of Heera’s early life. Over time, his guardianship shapes Heera’s resilience and outlook.

🧓 Guardian 🥃 Alcohol 🏚 Struggles

Mahendra Singh (Ranjeet Bedi)

Son of Ranvir Singh and a ruthless factory owner who exploits workers and clashes with Heera. He schemes against Heera and embodies the antagonistic forces of greed and power within the industrial setting. His actions heighten the stakes and push the protagonist toward a final confrontation.

💼 Boss 💥 Conflict 🧱 Class battle

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:44

Major Themes – Laawaris (1981)

Explore the central themes of Laawaris (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👨‍👦 Family

Family bonds drive the central conflict, from Vidya’s legacy through Heera’s search for belonging. The film explores legitimacy, found families, and the rekindling of kinship as Heera learns about his heritage. Forgiveness and acceptance reshape relationships across generations, culminating in reconciliation.

⚖️ Justice

Worker exploitation at Mahendar Singh's factory sparks Heera's fight for fair wages and humane treatment. The drama contrasts corporate greed with the dignity of labor, underscoring the social cost of unchecked power. Personal loyalties test the pursuit of justice, adding moral complexity to the decision-making process.

🎭 Identity

Heera’s hidden lineage and eventual recognition challenge notions of birthright. The tension between bloodline and chosen family shapes his sense of self and loyalties. The plot uses identity to explore personal truth, trust, and belonging within a stratified society. The revelation alters relationships and reframes the characters' futures.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:44

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Laawaris Summary

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Laawaris Summary

Laawaris Timeline

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Laawaris Timeline

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