Mohan Sharma (Tarun Bose) is a workaholic whose life changes dramatically after his wife dies giving birth to their daughter Uma (Sharmila Tagore). He despises the daughter by day, and adores her when drunk at night. Uma's life gets better as she comes of age and has a relationship with a sensitive poet, Ashok (Dharmendra), who slowly brings her out of her shell.—Joyojeet Pal

Uma Sharma's birth brought the death of her mother, much to the shock of her dad, Mohan Sharma. Blaming Uma for his wife's death, he has never forgiven her, and is affectionate towards her only when under the influence of alcohol. Uma has grown up in this atmosphere, silent, submissive, and subdued. There is some ray of hope in her life when she meets with Ashok, and they fall in love with each other. But Mohan has other plans for his daughter, and Uma, afraid to do anything to antagonize him any further, will do anything for him.—rAjOo ([email protected])