Aaj Full Story Explained (1987)
Imagine losing your sister and having no one to help you find her. That is Akshay's life. He is a young man with a low IQ who wanders the streets every day, hoping to see her face. Then he meets Anjali, a fearless journalist who decides to help him. But as she digs deeper into his case, she uncovers a secret that hits too close to home. Directed by Mahesh Bhatt, this 1987 Hindi drama stars Kumar Gaurav, Smita Patil, and Raj Babbar. It is a story about love, loss, and the courage to fight for the truth. The film also marks the first screen appearance of Akshay Kumar in a small role. Get ready for an emotional ride that will stay with you.
A Sister Lost Forever
Akshay cannot stop thinking about his missing sister Kavita. He walks the streets of the city every single day, holding a photo of her. He asks strangers if they have seen her. But no one has any answers. His heart is heavy with sadness and hope.
Full Plot
Akshay is a young man with a low IQ who works as a flower delivery boy. His elder sister Kavita has been missing for a long time. Every day, Akshay walks the streets of the city, holding her photo, hoping to find her. He is kind but helpless. One day, he goes to the police station to report his sister missing. There he meets Anjali Bakshi, a fearless journalist who works for a newspaper called News of India. Anjali is the daughter of a wealthy industrialist named Arun Bakshi. She is independent and strong-willed. She does not listen to her father when he tells her to quit her low-paying job. Anjali feels sorry for Akshay and decides to help him find his sister.
Anjali starts investigating the case of missing persons for a feature story. She visits police stations and talks to officers. She discovers that many young women have disappeared from the city. Akshay clings to Anjali for emotional support. He follows her everywhere. Anjali does not mind. She sees him as a friend who needs help. Meanwhile, Anjali is engaged to Sumit, a doctor. Sumit and his father Dr. Khosla do not like Akshay. They try to keep Akshay away from Anjali. They seem to know something about Kavita's disappearance but refuse to talk.
As Anjali digs deeper, she uncovers a shocking truth. Kavita was in love with a man named Raj, who works as a press editor. Kavita wanted to marry Raj, but her family opposed the marriage because of class differences. Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla conspired to get rid of Kavita. They hired a hitman to kidnap and kill her. Anjali is devastated. She realizes that her own father is a murderer. She confronts her father and Sumit. They try to silence her. They threaten to hurt Akshay if she speaks out.
Anjali does not back down. She writes a detailed story about the missing persons case. She names her father and Dr. Khosla as the criminals. Raj helps her publish the article in the newspaper. The police arrest Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla. Sumit is also implicated. Akshay finally learns what happened to his sister. He feels a mix of sadness and relief. Anjali breaks her engagement with Sumit. She chooses her own future. The film ends with Anjali and Akshay standing together, ready to face whatever comes next.
Act Breakdown
Meeting the Lost
We meet Akshay, a young man searching for his missing sister Kavita. He meets Anjali at the police station. Anjali decides to help him. We also meet Anjali's father Arun Bakshi and her fiancé Sumit. They do not like Akshay.
Secrets Surface
Anjali digs deeper into the missing persons case. She discovers that Kavita was in love with Raj. She also finds clues that point to her own family. The tension builds as Sumit and Dr. Khosla try to stop her.
The Truth Hurts
Anjali learns the full truth. Her father Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla had Kavita killed. They did it because Kavita wanted to marry Raj. Anjali confronts her father. He threatens her and Akshay.
Justice Wins
Anjali writes a story exposing the crime. Raj helps her publish it. The police arrest Arun Bakshi, Dr. Khosla, and Sumit. Akshay finally finds peace. Anjali breaks her engagement and stands with Akshay.
Characters
Akshay
Played by Kumar Gaurav
Akshay is a young man with a low IQ. He works as a flower delivery boy. His only goal is to find his missing sister Kavita. He is innocent, kind, and completely dependent on Anjali for support. In the end, he finally learns the truth about his sister and finds closure.
Anjali Bakshi
Played by Anamika Pal
Anjali is a fearless journalist. She is the daughter of wealthy industrialist Arun Bakshi. She is independent and stubborn. She helps Akshay find his sister. When she discovers her father's crime, she chooses justice over family. She breaks her engagement and stands up for the truth.
Kavita
Played by Smita Patil
Kavita is Akshay's missing elder sister. She was in love with Raj, a press editor. Her family opposed the marriage because of class differences. She was kidnapped and killed on the orders of Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla. Her disappearance drives the entire story.
Raj
Played by Raj Babbar
Raj is a press editor at News of India. He was in love with Kavita. He supports Anjali in her investigation. He helps her publish the story that exposes the criminals. He is a kind and honest man who wants justice for Kavita.
Arun Bakshi
Played by Marc Zuber
Arun Bakshi is Anjali's wealthy father. He is controlling and does not like his daughter working as a journalist. He conspired with Dr. Khosla to have Kavita killed. He is arrested at the end of the film for his crime.
Sumit
Played by Raj Kiran
Sumit is a doctor and Anjali's fiancé. He does not like Akshay. He tries to keep Akshay away from Anjali. He knows about his father's involvement in Kavita's disappearance. He is arrested along with his father at the end.
Scene Highlights
Akshay Meets Anjali
Akshay is at the police station, crying and holding his sister's photo. Anjali walks in to report a story. She sees him and feels immediate sympathy. She asks him what happened. He tells her about Kavita. She promises to help. This scene sets the entire story in motion.
The Confrontation with Father
Anjali confronts her father Arun Bakshi in his office. She tells him she knows the truth. He tries to bribe her with money. He threatens to hurt Akshay. Anjali does not back down. She tells him she will expose him. This scene is tense and emotional.
The Article is Published
Anjali sits at her desk and writes the story. Raj stands by her side. He tells her it is the right thing to do. The newspaper prints the article. The next morning, the police arrive at Arun Bakshi's house. This scene shows the power of the press.
Akshay Learns the Truth
Anjali tells Akshay what happened to Kavita. He cries but also feels relieved. He finally knows why she never came back. He thanks Anjali for her help. This scene is heartbreaking but also healing.
Cast & Context
Aaj brought together a strong ensemble cast. Kumar Gaurav, known for his role in Love Story (1981), played the innocent Akshay. Smita Patil, one of India's finest actresses, played the tragic Kavita. Raj Babbar, a veteran of parallel cinema, played the supportive editor Raj. The film also marked the first screen appearance of Akshay Kumar, who later became a major Bollywood star. He played a small role as a Karate Instructor. Interestingly, Akshay Kumar chose his stage name after Kumar Gaurav's character name in this film.
Themes
Class and Injustice
The film shows how rich families use their power to destroy poor people's lives. Kavita was killed because she wanted to marry a man from a lower class. Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla thought they could get away with murder because of their wealth. But Anjali proves that truth cannot be buried forever.
Courage and Truth
Anjali shows immense courage when she decides to expose her own father. She could have stayed silent and kept her comfortable life. But she chooses to do what is right. The film tells us that speaking the truth is hard but necessary.
Innocence and Vulnerability
Akshay represents innocence in a cruel world. He cannot understand why people hurt each other. His low IQ makes him vulnerable, but his pure heart makes him strong. The film shows that innocent people often suffer the most in society.
Family and Betrayal
The film explores how family can both protect and destroy. Anjali's father betrays her trust by committing murder. Kavita's family betrayed her by killing her. Anjali must choose between her family and her conscience. She chooses her conscience.
Music & Soundtrack
ComposerJagjit Singh and Chitra Singh
The music of Aaj is soulful and emotional. Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh lent their voices to the songs. 'Woh Kagaz Ki Kashti' became a memorable track. The songs reflect the sadness and hope in the story. They add depth to the emotional moments.
Similar Films
Both films are directed by Mahesh Bhatt and explore complex family relationships and emotional pain.
Another Mahesh Bhatt film about family secrets and emotional struggles, released the same year.
Both films feature a strong-willed female lead who challenges her family's decisions.
Ending Explained
In the final scenes, Anjali writes a detailed article exposing her father's crime. She names Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla as the people who ordered Kavita's murder. Raj helps her publish the story in the newspaper. The police arrest Arun Bakshi and Dr. Khosla. Sumit is also arrested for his involvement. Akshay finally learns the truth about his sister. He feels sad but also relieved. He can finally stop searching. Anjali breaks her engagement with Sumit. She chooses to live her own life. The film ends with Anjali and Akshay standing together. They have each other now. The message is clear: truth wins in the end, even if it costs everything. The director leaves the audience with hope that justice is possible when good people stand up.
Aaj is a heartfelt drama that tackles serious issues like class injustice and family betrayal. The performances are strong, especially Kumar Gaurav as the innocent Akshay. The story keeps you engaged with its mystery and emotional twists. However, the film feels a bit slow at times. Some scenes feel dated. But if you enjoy Mahesh Bhatt's emotional storytelling, this film is worth watching. It is a good pick for fans of 80s Hindi cinema who want a story with heart and a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Aaj is not based on a true story. The film was written by Anu Rita Pal. It is a fictional story about a missing woman and a journalist who uncovers a family secret.
Smita Patil played the role of Kavita. She is Akshay's missing sister. Her character is central to the mystery of the film.
Yes, Akshay Kumar made his first on-screen appearance in Aaj. He played a small role as a Karate Instructor. At that time, he was known by his birth name Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia.
Aaj means 'Today' in Hindi. The title reflects the film's focus on the present moment. It suggests that truth must be faced today, not tomorrow.
The film was directed by Mahesh Bhatt. He is known for making socially relevant and emotional films. Aaj is one of his many dramas about family secrets and justice.