Guru Dakshina 1987
Directed by
Anjan Choudhury
Made by
Angel Digital
Guru Dakshina Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Guru Dakshina (1987). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
Jayanta Bose, Tapas Paul, is a poor, naïve village boy who sacrifices everything to support his mother. He lands a low-paying job at the sprawling, morally corrupt business empire run by a wealthy magnate known as Mr. Roy. When he is asked to perform at one of Roy’s functions, his voice and passion shine through, and in that single moment he becomes a name to remember—an overnight star.
He falls for Roy’s daughter, Rupa Satabdi Roy, whose warmth and belief in his talent give him a sense of belonging he’s never known. Her support helps him navigate the sudden whirlwind of attention his singing brings, and she becomes more than just a love interest—she becomes his confidant. Standing by him is his loyal ally, Rajat Ranjit Mallick, Roy’s other boss and a brotherly figure who champions their budding romance and Jayanta’s burgeoning career.
Yet happiness clashes with ambition and greed. Mr. Roy grows restless at the idea of losing his control over Rupa and schemes to marry her to another man, Shekhar. In a bid to secure money for his only grandson’s medical treatment, Roy resorts to a ruthless trap: he blackmails Jayanta’s music teacher, the guru, forcing him to intervene by stopping Jayanta from singing. The guru, fearing for his grandson’s life, agrees to this terrible bargain, telling Jayanta that he must never reveal the dilemma and must give up singing.
Jayanta keeps his word, willingly stepping away from the stage that had promised so much. The price of silence is steep, and the plan leaves his once-bright future in ruins: his music career is effectively crushed, and he shoulders the blame for the supposed misfortune. He is even insulted by the guru’s daughter-in-law when he refuses to sing for them at their home, a harsh blow that only deepens his sense of isolation. The guru’s death soon follows, and the village whispers that Jayanta’s refusal to sing caused the tragedy, a burden he must bear in silence because of the vow he made.
Despair weighs heavily on him, yet he cannot speak the truth. Meanwhile, Shekhar intensifies his efforts to paint Jayanta as a thief, hoping to destroy him completely. It is only thanks to Rajat’s vigilance that the scheme is thwarted. When Mr. Roy finally sees through Shekhar’s deceit and recognizes Jayanta’s integrity, a long-simmering truth comes to light: Roy admits how he had coerced the late music teacher into stopping Jayanta’s singing.
With the burden lifted, Jayanta rediscovers his voice and steps back onto the stage to honor his mentor. He sings at Rupa’s birthday, a tribute to the guru who sacrificed everything for his student. In a heartening turn of forgiveness, Roy reconciles with the couple, and the families come to terms with the past. The film closes on a note of hope and union as Jayanta and Rupa look to a future built on honesty, music, and mutual support, their love strengthened by the trials they endured together.
Guru Dakshina Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Guru Dakshina (1987) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Jayanta lands a low-paying job to support his mother
Jayanta Bose secures a modest position at the wealthy but corrupt Mr. Roy's company to help his ailing mother. He views the job as a means to provide stability while keeping his singing talents hidden for the time being. This entry into Roy's world sets up the power dynamics that will test his integrity and ambition.
Jayanta performs at a function and becomes an overnight sensation
At a high-profile function hosted by Mr. Roy, Jayanta showcases his singing and instantly captures attention. The performance reveals his natural talent, turning him into a sudden star. The dazzling success also deepens the tension with Roy and his circle.
A romance blooms between Jayanta and Rupa
Rupa, Mr. Roy's daughter, supports Jayanta's musical aspirations and grows close to him. Their budding romance is met with warmth from Rajat, who becomes a brotherly ally. The relationship complicates Roy's plans and intensifies the stakes for Jayanta.
Rajat offers steadfast support
Rajat, a trusted mentor and boss figure, stands by Jayanta and his relationship with Rupa. He provides guidance and protection as the family faces mounting pressures from Roy and rivals. Rajat's backing becomes crucial when conflict erupts.
Mr. Roy opposes Rupa's marriage to Shekhar
Mr. Roy disapproves of the match between Rupa and Shekhar and schemes to keep her from marrying him. He fears Jayanta's rising fame and social ascent, fueling a plan that will threaten Jayanta's career. This conflict foreshadows the darker tactics to come.
Roy blackmails Jayanta's guru for money to stop singing
Desperate to fund his grandson's treatment, Mr. Roy blackmails Jayanta's guru, offering money only if Jayanta stops singing. The guru agrees to the demand, believing it is the only way to save the child's life. The betrayal hints at Roy's willingness to ruin the young singer's career for control.
Guru agrees to force Jayanta to give up singing
The guru consents to the arrangement, telling Jayanta that his singing must end in order to secure the grandson's treatment. He explains the terms and believes this path will prevent further harm. The decision marks a turning point in Jayanta's already fragile career.
Jayanta pledges not to sing and keeps the secret
Jayanta vowingly promises not to sing and to never disclose the dilemma to anyone, believing it is the only way to protect his family and the guru's choice. The vow costs him his budding career and happiness, as he suppresses his true gift. The secrecy isolates him and builds inner turmoil.
Guru's daughter-in-law insults Jayanta for refusing to sing
While staying at the guru's home, Jayanta is mocked by the guru's daughter-in-law for his refusal to perform at their gathering. The humiliation deepens his sense of betrayal and wounds his pride. He bears the insult in silence, bound by his promise.
The guru dies and the village blames Jayanta
The guru passes away and villagers blame Jayanta, believing that his vow not to sing led to the death. Overwhelmed by despair and unable to reveal the truth behind the vow, Jayanta struggles with guilt and isolation. The tragedy reinforces the cost of keeping secrets.
Shekhar's frame-up is foiled by Rajat
Shekhar attempts to frame Jayanta as a thief to undermine him further, but Rajat uncovers and thwarts the plan. This intervention restores some faith in Jayanta within the community and demonstrates Rajat's protective influence. The incident clarifies who can be trusted in Roy's circle.
Roy uncovers the truth about the blackmail and forgives Jayanta
Mr. Roy recognizes Shekhar's deceit and acknowledges Jayanta's goodness. He reveals how he himself blackmailed the late music teacher to stop Jayanta from singing, thereby clearing Jayanta's name. This revelation realigns loyalties and paves the way for reconciliation.
Jayanta sings again at Rupa's birthday and a new future begins
Relieved of his binds, Jayanta performs at Rupa's birthday, delivering a tribute to his late guru. The scene signals a healing arc as the guru's family and Roy's circle forgive him. Mr. Roy also agrees to marry Jayanta and Rupa, uniting the couple and restoring hope.
Guru Dakshina Characters
Explore all characters from Guru Dakshina (1987). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Jayanta Bose (Tapas Paul)
A poor, naïve village boy with a natural gift for singing who rises to overnight stardom. His integrity is tested when he is pressured to stop singing, and his loyalty to his mentor, family, and his beloved Rupa guides his choices. He endures misfortune and misunderstanding but remains committed to his word and ultimately seeks redemption.
Rupa Roy (Satabdi Roy)
Rupa supports Jayanta’s pursuit of singing and stands by him through his trials. Her love and encouragement provide emotional grounding, as the couple navigates obstacles posed by Mr. Roy and social expectations. She embodies devotion and resilience in a turbulent power dynamic.
Mr. Roy
A rich but corrupt businessman who tries to shape Jayanta’s career for his own ends. His fear of losing control leads him to manipulate others and create obstacles for the budding artist. His eventual realization of Jayanta’s noble character marks a turning point.
Rajat
The loyal mentor-figure who treats Jayanta as family and supports him against schemes to derail his career. Rajat’s practical wisdom and steadfastness help foil the antagonists’ plans and protect Jayanta’s future with Rupa.
Guru (Music Teacher)
Jayanta’s musical guru who, under pressure, is forced to request the singer to stop for his grandson’s treatment. His eventual passing becomes a source of blame for Jayanta, highlighting themes of obligation and sacrifice.
Guru Dakshina Settings
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Location
West Bengal, India
Set in a rural Bengal milieu, the story follows a poor village boy chasing a singing dream amid poverty. The environment blends traditional family bonds with the influence of a powerful, unscrupulous businessman. The setting contrasts modest village life with the lure and pressure of fame.
Guru Dakshina Themes
Discover the main themes in Guru Dakshina (1987). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
🎵
Ambition
A naive singer’s rise to fame tests moral limits as he navigates manipulation by patrons. Jayanta’s gift attracts attention but also vulnerability, forcing him to balance artistry with commercial pressure. The arc centers on whether personal dreams can survive exploitation.
💰
Power and Corruption
Wealthy patronage shapes careers and corrupts relationships, as Mr. Roy uses money and threats to influence Jayanta. The plot exposes deceit, blackmail, and the cost of greed on a man’s integrity and family ties.
🤝
Duty and Forgiveness
A promise to a guru binds Jayanta to silence, leading to tragedy and blame when the teacher dies. The film moves toward redemption through forgiveness from the guru’s family, Rajat, and the lovers, culminating in a renewed bond between Jayanta and Rupa.
Guru Dakshina Spoiler-Free Summary
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Guru Dakshina (1987). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In a modest village where the rhythm of daily life is marked by folk songs and the gentle guidance of an aging Guru, a young man named Jayanta discovers a voice that seems destined for something larger than his humble surroundings. Raised alongside his widowed sister‑in‑law, his talent blossoms under the guru’s patient tutelage, turning the simple act of singing into a beacon of hope for the entire community.
The pull of the city proves irresistible, and Jayanta soon finds himself navigating the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming streets of Kolkata. Here, the world of professional music opens its doors, offering stages glittered with promise and the intoxicating allure of fame and fortune. The city’s bustling studios and bustling audiences respond to his raw, emotive delivery, quickly elevating him from unknown village singer to a rising star whose name begins to echo beyond concert halls.
Amidst this whirlwind, Jayanta encounters Rupa, the charismatic daughter of a powerful businessman whose influence stretches across the city’s commercial landscape. Their connection feels both tender and transformative, providing Jayanta a sense of belonging he has never known. Guided also by the steadfast friendship of Rajat, a figure who balances the worlds of business and art, the young singer begins to glimpse a future where love and ambition might coexist.
Yet the glittering lights of success cast shadows that hint at unseen complexities. The interplay between artistic purity, familial expectations, and the ambitions of those who hold sway over the city’s fortunes creates a subtle tension that lingers in every note Jayanta sings. In a story where music is both sanctuary and catalyst, the film invites viewers to feel the pulse of a dream straddling two very different worlds, leaving them eager to hear how the melody will unfold.
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