Ijaazat Full Story Explained (1987)
Imagine meeting your ex-husband in a rainy railway waiting room. That is exactly what happens to Sudha in Ijaazat. This 1987 Hindi film is a quiet, emotional story about love, loss, and letting go. Directed by Gulzar, it stars Rekha as Sudha, Naseeruddin Shah as Mahendra, and Anuradha Patel as Maya. The film does not have big action scenes or loud drama. Instead, it uses flashbacks to show us a marriage that fell apart because of a third person. The music, composed by R. D. Burman and sung by Asha Bhosle, is unforgettable. The song "Mera Kuchh Saamaan" became a classic. This is a film about permission — the permission to leave, to forgive, and to move on. It won two National Film Awards. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves mature, heartfelt stories.
Rainy Waiting Room Reunion
Mahendra gets off a train and walks into a station waiting room. It starts raining heavily outside. He does not notice Sudha sitting in the corner. Sudha sees him and tries to hide her face. But soon they bump into each other. This chance meeting starts a flood of memories.
Full Plot
Ijaazat begins on a rainy night at a railway station. Mahendra gets off a train and walks into the waiting room. His ex-wife Sudha is already there, but he does not see her at first. Sudha tries to hide, but they eventually meet. This chance encounter triggers a series of flashbacks that reveal their past.
The story goes back to when Mahendra was engaged to Sudha for five years. He kept delaying the wedding. Sudha's father figure, played by Shammi Kapoor, pushes Mahendra to marry her. Mahendra finally meets Sudha and confesses his relationship with another woman, Maya. Sudha asks him to bring Maya to her father figure and tell him the truth. But when Mahendra goes to get Maya, she has already left a letter and gone away. Mahendra then marries Sudha.
After marriage, Mahendra keeps in touch with Maya as a friend. Sudha is uncomfortable with this but tolerates it. Maya attempts suicide, and Mahendra feels guilty. He starts spending more time with her. Sudha, unaware of the suicide attempt, thinks Mahendra is being unfaithful. She confronts him. Mahendra decides to bring Maya home to explain everything. Sudha opposes this. Mahendra leaves anyway. Maya overhears their argument on the phone and leaves before Mahendra arrives. When Mahendra returns home, Sudha has left.
Mahendra suffers a heart attack from the shock. Maya nurses him back to health. Sudha moves to Panchgani and works as a teacher. Mahendra decides to bring Sudha back. But he receives a letter from Sudha saying she wants to end the marriage completely. Mahendra argues with Maya about this. Maya feels rejected and rides off on her motorcycle at dawn. Mahendra chases her in his car. Maya's scarf gets caught in the rear wheel, causing her to fall and die.
Back in the present, Mahendra tells Sudha everything. Sudha is saddened by Maya's fate. Just then, Sudha's new husband, played by Shashi Kapoor, enters the waiting room to pick her up. Sudha touches Mahendra's feet and asks for his forgiveness and his permission — Ijaazat — to leave him. She never got that permission when they separated before. Her husband smiles at Mahendra. Sudha and her husband leave together. Mahendra stays behind alone.
Act Breakdown
The Rainy Reunion
Mahendra and Sudha meet by chance in a railway waiting room. The film introduces their past through flashbacks. We learn about their engagement and Mahendra's relationship with Maya. Sudha's father figure pushes Mahendra to marry her.
The Marriage Cracks
Mahendra marries Sudha but keeps in touch with Maya. Maya attempts suicide. Mahendra spends more time with her. Sudha feels betrayed. The tension between the three characters reaches a peak. Mahendra decides to bring Maya home.
Separation and Tragedy
Sudha leaves Mahendra. Mahendra has a heart attack. Maya nurses him back to health. Mahendra decides to bring Sudha back. Maya dies in a motorcycle accident. Mahendra is left alone with his guilt.
The Final Goodbye
In the waiting room, Mahendra tells Sudha everything. Sudha's new husband arrives. Sudha asks Mahendra for forgiveness and permission to leave. Mahendra gives it silently. Sudha leaves with her new husband. Mahendra stays behind alone.
Characters
Sudha
Played by Rekha
Sudha is a strong, self-respecting woman who loves Mahendra but refuses to share him. She is a teacher who values her dignity above all. When she feels betrayed, she leaves without a fight. In the end, she finds new love and asks Mahendra for permission to move on.
Mahendra
Played by Naseeruddin Shah
Mahendra is a man torn between two women. He loves Sudha but cannot let go of Maya. His indecision destroys his marriage. He suffers a heart attack and loses both women. In the end, he gives Sudha the permission she needs to leave him.
Maya
Played by Anuradha Patel
Maya is a free-spirited woman who loves Mahendra deeply. She attempts suicide when she feels abandoned. She nurses Mahendra back to health after his heart attack. But when Mahendra tries to bring Sudha back, Maya feels rejected and dies in a tragic accident.
Mahendra's grandfather
Played by Shammi Kapoor
He is the father figure who pushes Mahendra to marry Sudha. He fixes the wedding date and urges Mahendra to show up. He represents the traditional values of commitment and responsibility.
Sudha's new husband
Played by Shashi Kapoor
He appears only at the end of the film. He is a kind man who comes to pick up Sudha from the waiting room. He recognizes Mahendra and smiles at him. His presence shows that Sudha has found happiness again.
Scene Highlights
The Waiting Room Reunion
Mahendra walks into the waiting room without seeing Sudha. Sudha tries to hide behind a newspaper. They accidentally bump into each other. The awkward silence between them is filled with years of pain. This scene sets up the entire story.
Maya's Suicide Attempt
Maya attempts suicide because she feels abandoned by Mahendra. Mahendra finds her and feels guilty. This guilt changes everything. He starts spending more time with Maya. This deepens the rift between him and Sudha.
The Argument on the Phone
Mahendra calls Maya to tell her he is coming to pick her up. Sudha overhears and argues with him. Maya hears the argument on the phone. She decides to leave before Mahendra arrives. This scene shows how miscommunication destroys relationships.
Maya's Death
Maya rides her motorcycle at dawn. Her scarf gets caught in the rear wheel. She loses control and falls. Mahendra watches helplessly. The scene is tragic and sudden. It shows how quickly love can turn into loss.
Sudha Asks for Permission
Sudha touches Mahendra's feet. She asks for his forgiveness and his permission to leave. Her new husband smiles at Mahendra. Mahendra says nothing but gives his silent approval. This scene is the emotional climax of the film.
Cast & Context
Ijaazat brought together two of Indian cinema's finest actors: Rekha and Naseeruddin Shah. Rekha was already a huge star known for her powerful performances in films like Umrao Jaan. Naseeruddin Shah was a celebrated actor of parallel cinema, known for films like Masoom and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. This was their first film together, and their chemistry was praised. Anuradha Patel, who played Maya, was relatively new but delivered a memorable performance. Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, both legendary actors, appeared in supporting roles. Shashi Kapoor's cameo at the end was a special treat for audiences.
Themes
Love and Possession
The film asks whether love means owning someone. Sudha cannot share Mahendra with Maya. Mahendra wants both women. Maya cannot bear to be second. Everyone wants to possess the one they love. This possessiveness leads to pain for all three.
Permission to Let Go
The title Ijaazat means permission. Sudha never got permission to leave Mahendra the first time. In the end, she asks for it. The film shows that letting go with grace is more important than holding on with anger.
Guilt and Responsibility
Mahendra feels guilty about Maya's suicide attempt. This guilt keeps him tied to her. He cannot choose Sudha because he feels responsible for Maya. Guilt becomes a chain that stops everyone from being happy.
The Pain of Indecision
Mahendra cannot decide between Sudha and Maya. His indecision hurts both women. He loses both in the end. The film shows that not choosing is also a choice — and it is often the worst one.
Music & Soundtrack
ComposerR. D. Burman
The music of Ijaazat is unforgettable. All four songs were sung by Asha Bhosle. The song Mera Kuchh Saamaan became a classic. It is a heart-wrenching song where Sudha asks for her belongings back. The song Khali Haath Sham Aayi plays during the emotional climax. R. D. Burman's music perfectly captures the mood of longing and loss.
Similar Films
Both films are directed by Gulzar and deal with love, loss, and the passage of time. Both have strong female leads and poetic storytelling.
Also directed by Gulzar, this film explores a complicated relationship between a politician and her estranged husband. It has a similar tone of mature romance.
This film also deals with a love triangle and the pain of separation. Both films have iconic songs and emotional depth.
Like Ijaazat, this is a parallel cinema film starring Naseeruddin Shah. It deals with complex human emotions and societal pressures.
Ending Explained
The ending of Ijaazat is quiet but powerful. Mahendra and Sudha are still in the waiting room. Mahendra has just finished telling Sudha about Maya's death. Sudha is sad but calm. Then Sudha's new husband enters the room. He is a kind man who smiles at Mahendra. He picks up Sudha's luggage. Sudha touches Mahendra's feet. This is a traditional gesture of respect and asking for blessings. She asks for his forgiveness. She also asks for his permission — Ijaazat — to leave him. She says she never got this permission when they separated before. Mahendra does not say anything. But his silence gives her the permission she needs. Sudha and her husband leave the waiting room together. They walk away on the platform. Mahendra stays behind alone. The rain has stopped. The film ends with Mahendra watching them leave. The message is clear: sometimes love means letting go. The film shows that moving on with grace is more important than holding on with bitterness.
Ijaazat is a must-watch for anyone who loves mature, emotional cinema. It is not a fast-paced film. It moves slowly, like a gentle rain. But every scene is filled with meaning. The performances are outstanding, especially Rekha's. The music is timeless. The film's weakness might be its slow pace for some viewers. But if you appreciate subtle storytelling and deep emotions, you will love it. It is a film that stays with you long after it ends. Highly recommended for fans of Gulzar, Rekha, and parallel cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ijaazat is a Hindi word that means permission. In the film, Sudha asks Mahendra for permission to leave him. She never got that permission when they separated the first time. The title reflects the central theme of letting go with grace.
No, Ijaazat is not based on a true story. It is based on a Bengali short story called Jatugriha by Subodh Ghosh. The story was also adapted into a Bengali film in 1964. Gulzar adapted it for Hindi cinema.
The music for Ijaazat was composed by R. D. Burman. All four songs were sung by Asha Bhosle. The lyrics were written by Gulzar. The song Mera Kuchh Saamaan won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer for Asha Bhosle.
Sudha left Mahendra because she felt betrayed. She believed Mahendra was being unfaithful with Maya. She did not know about Maya's suicide attempt. Sudha valued her self-respect and could not share her husband with another woman.
Maya dies in a tragic accident. After Mahendra decides to bring Sudha back, Maya feels rejected. She rides off on her motorcycle at dawn. Mahendra chases her in his car. Maya's scarf gets caught in the rear wheel, causing her to fall and die.