After her husband is disfigured in a horrific accident, Radha (Nargis) single-handedly raises her two children, Ramu (Rajendra Kumar) and Birju (Sunil Dutt), under the threat of financial ruin and sexual advances from a moneylender. Years pass and Ramu grows to be a dutiful son while Birju becomes a rebel. Radha, caught between her son and the honour of her community, is faced with the most painful decision of any mother's life. Finally to preserve the honour of the village, Radha puts an end to Birju's rebellious activities by doing something that would be every mother's nightmare.