Mahesh Chopra lives a middle-classed lifestyle with his Government-employee dad, and mom, Shanti, in Government quarters in Bombay. Here he is enrolled in an Arts college, and is in love with wealthy Kiran Mehta, much to the chagrin of her businessman dad. He successfully graduates, and his dad wants him to carry on and get a post-graduate degree. Before he could do so, his dad retires, they are forced to vacate their apartment, and move into slums, where Mahesh's life spirals out of control.