Tarana

Tarana

Year: 1951

Runtime: 137 mins

Language: Hindi

Director: Ram Daryani

Romance

After a plane crash leaves Dr. Motilal (Dilip Kumar) stranded in a village, a blind elder named Surdas offers him refuge and introduces him to his lively daughter Tarana (Madhubala). As Motilal recuperates, he becomes enchanted by Tarana’s innocence and playful spirit, leading to a tender, growing affection amid the village’s simple life.

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Timeline & Setting – Tarana (1951)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tarana (1951). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1950s

Set in post-independence India, the film reflects the era's social norms and respect for family authority. Arranged marriage pressures and community reputation drive the plot, amid the melange of romance and tragedy typical of classic Bollywood dramas. The period framing anchors the characters' choices within a traditional, conservative society.

Location

Small village, City, Barn

The story unfolds primarily in a rural Indian village where Motilal and Tarana find shelter with Surdas. A thunderstorm forces a pivotal moment inside a barn, symbolizing a haven away from social scrutiny. Later, the narrative touches the city as Motilal builds a career, highlighting the contrast between rustic roots and urban ambition.

🌾 Rural village ⚡ Stormy weather 🧭 Traditional society

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Main Characters – Tarana (1951)

Meet the key characters of Tarana (1951), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Motilal

A compassionate, idealistic doctor who falls for Tarana and faces family and social pressure. He balances duty, desire, and empathy as he navigates the complexities of rural life and romantic devotion.

💉 ❤️ 🕊️ Doctor Romance Courage

Tarana

An innocent, spirited village girl whose love for Motilal is tested by rumors and tragedy. She embodies resilience and steadfast devotion, enduring hardship with quiet dignity.

🌸 💞 Heroine

Sheela

Moti's fiancée from the city, whose engagement represents social convenience and the pressure of arranged marriage. Her role highlights the clash between personal desire and familial duty.

🏙️ 💼 Society

Totaram

A wealthy villager whose envy and greed drive him to spread false rumours to ruin Tarana and Motilal. His scheming exposes the darker side of communal life.

💰 🗣️ Villain

Surdas

Tarana's blind father, a figure torn between protection and tradition. He misjudges the couple under the influence of rumors, leading to a tragic accident.

🕯️ Father Tradition

Kaneshi

The village nurse bribed to testify to Tarana's supposed condition. She becomes a catalyst in the rumor machine, illustrating how money and social pressure distort truth.

🗞️ Nurse Gossip

Diwansaheb

Moti's father, a wealthy patriarch who arranges Tarana's competition with Sheela. His decisions reflect the influence of wealth and status on family destiny.

👨‍👓 Father Wealth

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

Major Themes – Tarana (1951)

Explore the central themes of Tarana (1951), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Forbidden Love

Motilal and Tarana's romance challenges the village's rigid social codes and expectations. Their bond persists despite rumors, suspicion, and the threat of societal disapproval. The narrative uses their relationship to critique the constraints placed on love by class and tradition.

🗣️ Rumor & Honour

Totaram's scheming and Kaneshi's bribery show how gossip can ruin a person's reputation. Tarana is unjustly deemed immoral, and Motilal's integrity is tested by communal pressure. The film exposes the corrosive power of rumors in shaping collective judgment.

🌈 Hope & Reunion

Tragedy ignites grief, but truth eventually cuts through the fog of deception. Surdas's initial misjudgment leads to loss, yet the couple's faith endures. The finale vindicates their love, resulting in a hopeful reunion.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:42

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Tarana Summary

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Tarana Timeline

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