Panchanan Bhattacharya

A young girl, Archana, falls in love with Sukhendu, an educated young man. Her father gladly accepts Sukhendu as his son-in-law. But Sukhendu's income and nature come in way of this marriage. Archana (Suchitra Sen) falls in love with Sukhendu (Soumitra Chatterjee), a serious University Lecturer, much to the charging her snobbish and interfering mother (Chhaya Devi) for whom Sukhendu is just not good enough for her daughter or their family. Archana however, is adamant and with the approval of her father (Pahadi Sanyal) gets married to Sukhendu. The mother continues to interfere in the marriage constantly reminding her son-in-law of his poverty. Suffering from divided loyalties, Archana's problems are aggravated when Sukhendu insists she sever all ties with her mother. Archana separates from Sukhendu and stays independently completing her studies. When she finally accepts her wifely duties and returns home it is too late as Sukhendu has resigned and gone abroad.

Unemployed and lower caste Sudarshan marries Indrani, a brahmin and employed girl. His manhood and Indrani`s self-respect continuously meet obstacles with society.

After the death of his father, Apu leaves his mother and goes to Kolkata to complete his education. His mother falls sick but she does not let the news reach him as it would affect his studies.