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Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) Plot Summary & Timeline

Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) movie poster

Qarib Qarib Singlle is a 2017 comedy and romance film directed by Tanuja Chandra, running 2 hours 5 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 464 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 14 key events in order, 2 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Qarib Qarib Singlle.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
14
characters profiled
2
themes explained
3
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Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 5m
Director
Tanuja Chandra
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Original language
Hindi
No spoilers

What Is Qarib Qarib Singlle About?

The premise of Qarib Qarib Singlle in 310 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the bustling backdrop of modern India, two freshly single souls find themselves pushed by friends and circumstance into an unexpected partnership. Jaya is a pragmatic life‑insurance agent whose recent divorce has left her wary of the dating world, while Yogi is a poetic, slightly old‑fashioned dreamer whose own heartbreaks have left him equally hesitant. Their first encounter is marked by awkward humor and a shared sense of resignation, setting the tone for a journey that promises both laughter and introspection.

What begins as a simple plan to revisit the places that once held romantic significance quickly evolves into a road‑trip adventure that winds through the colorful streets and serene landscapes of Rishikesh, Jaipur, and Gangtok. The film captures the vivid contrast between bustling cityscapes and tranquil mountain vistas, using the ever‑changing scenery as a visual metaphor for the characters’ evolving perspectives on love, friendship, and self‑discovery. The tone remains light‑hearted and witty, infused with moments of gentle melancholy that hint at deeper emotional currents beneath the surface.

The dynamic between Jaya and Yogi is driven by their differences as much as their common ground: her disciplined, vegetarian lifestyle meets his indulgent, non‑vegetarian habits; her methodical, career‑focused mindset brushes against his spontaneous, poetic outlook. These contrasts fuel a series of comedic misunderstandings and tender exchanges, creating a rhythm that feels both spontaneous and thoughtfully paced. As they navigate unfamiliar territories together, they are forced to confront the ghosts of their past relationships, yet the focus remains on the present connection forming between them.

Through witty dialogue, charming cultural encounters, and a scenic road‑trip backdrop, the story invites viewers to wonder how two strangers, each clutching the remnants of old romances, might find fresh meaning in an unpredictable journey. The film promises a blend of humor and heart, leaving audiences eager to see where the road—and their budding bond—will ultimately lead.

Full plot

What Happens in Qarib Qarib Singlle?

The complete story of Qarib Qarib Singlle, from the first scene to the last, in 464 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Jaya Shashidharan, portrayed by Parvathy, embarks on a seemingly short journey with Yogi, played by Irrfan Khan, to explore their past relationships. However, what begins as a simple trip quickly evolves into an extraordinary and chaotic adventure that neither of them anticipated. Traveling through the vibrant landscapes of Rishikesh, Jaipur, and Gangtok, the pair encounters a series of ups and downs—from missed trains to unexpected taxi rides—intertwined with moments of heartbreak and nostalgia.

Jaya, a single and divorced life insurance agent, finds herself coerced by her friends to explore her dating life. Reluctantly, she creates a Tinder profile but is disheartened by the unsavory characters she encounters. Just when things seem bleak, a chance coffee meeting with Yogi brings unexpected chaos into her life. Their first encounter is marked by awkwardness, with Jaya feeling reserved and Yogi, a poet charmingly stuck in tradition, making uncomfortable jokes. Amidst their clumsy interaction, Jaya vents her frustrations about her Tinder experiences, prompting Yogi to take it upon himself to “defend” her honor by confronting the culprits.

As events unfold, an agreement forms between the two: Jaya suggests Yogi visit his exes to confront his past, and he invites her along. Initially hesitant, Jaya agrees, ultimately seeking some reprieve from her friends’ playful jabs about her dating life. However, plans go awry when Yogi misses his flight, leaving Jaya to fly alone to Dehradun. Upon arrival, Yogi, accustomed to luxury, arranges to meet her at the airport.

Their journey begins in an ashram in Rishikesh, where their differing dietary preferences—a vegetarian Jaya and non-vegetarian Yogi—highlight their contrasts. Their first stop is to visit Yogi’s first ex, Radhe (played by Bajrangbali Singh). To Yogi’s surprise, the encounter is warm and welcoming, with Radhe introducing Yogi to her family, including her children who affectionately refer to him as ‘Himas’. They share a thrilling river rafting experience, much to Jaya’s amusement.

Continuing their escapade, Jaya and Yogi board the Maharaja Express luxury train bound for Jaipur. However, chaos ensues again when Yogi misses the train while fetching snacks for Jaya, prompting her to feel abandoned. Upon catching up with her, Yogi learns that Jaya has formed a bond with another train passenger, igniting feelings of jealousy. In a twist, they meet Yogi’s next ex, Anjali, played by Neha Dhupia, where Jaya’s drunken antics further complicate matters, revealing her own insecurities about Yogi’s past.

Their adventure culminates in Gangtok, where tensions flare between them. After a fierce argument, Yogi initially decides to leave but soon realizes he must rectify his mistakes. In a heartfelt apology, he asks Jaya to be his girlfriend, to which she gratefully agrees. The duo finds solace in their connection, enjoying each other’s company as they explore the serenity of Gangtok together, forever changed by their eventful journey.

Timeline

Qarib Qarib Singlle Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

14 key events in the order they happen, from “Jaya's Reluctance” to “A Lasting Connection”. 11 events name a place, across 5 locations.

  1. 1

    Jaya's Reluctance

    Jaya Shashidharan, a divorced life insurance agent, faces pressure from her friends to explore her dating life. Hesitant and disheartened by her experiences on Tinder, she feels compelled to take the leap but remains skeptical about the outcome.

  2. 2

    Awkward Encounter

    Jaya has a chance coffee meeting with Yogi, a traditional poet, which is marked by initial awkwardness. Their conversation is filled with uncomfortable jokes, and Jaya finds herself venting about her Tinder woes.

  3. 3

    The Unlikely Agreement

    After their initial meeting, Jaya and Yogi strike an unusual deal where Jaya suggests they confront Yogi's exes together. This invitation allows Jaya to escape her friends' teasing, and Yogi agrees despite his reluctance.

  4. 4

    Journey to Dehradun Begins

    Plans take an unexpected turn when Yogi misses his flight, forcing Jaya to travel to Dehradun alone. Upon landing, Jaya realizes the challenge of navigating the trip without Yogi's support.

    Where:Dehradun

  5. 5

    Ashram Differences

    Upon reuniting in Rishikesh, Jaya and Yogi head to an ashram where their contrasting dietary preferences are humorously highlighted. Jaya's vegetarian choices clash with Yogi's non-vegetarian palate, making for a lively atmosphere.

    Where:Rishikesh

  6. 6

    Meeting Yogi's First Ex

    Their first visit is to Yogi’s first ex, Radhe, who welcomes them warmly. This encounter surprises Yogi, as Radhe introduces him to her family, leading to moments of laughter and nostalgia.

    Where:Rishikesh

  7. 7

    Thrilling River Rafting

    The trio embarks on an exhilarating river rafting adventure that amuses Jaya and showcases the bond between Yogi and Radhe. This fun activity helps Jaya appreciate Yogi's past relationships more.

    Where:Rishikesh

  8. 8

    The Maharaja Express

    Jaya and Yogi board the luxurious Maharaja Express for their journey to Jaipur, filled with excitement. However, Yogi's distraction while fetching snacks causes him to miss the train, leaving Jaya feeling abandoned.

    Where:Jaipur

  9. 9

    Jealousy Sparks

    After catching up with Yogi, Jaya finds herself bonding with a fellow train passenger, igniting feelings of jealousy in Yogi. Their emotional misunderstandings begin to complicate their relationship further.

    Where:Onboard the Maharaja Express

  10. 10

    Encounter with Anjali

    In Jaipur, they meet Yogi's next ex, Anjali, which leads to an awkward encounter intensified by Jaya's drunken antics. The situation exposes Jaya’s insecurities regarding Yogi’s past and their evolving relationship.

    Where:Jaipur

Show the other 4 events of Qarib Qarib Singlle
  1. 11

    Tensions in Gangtok

    Arriving in Gangtok, tensions escalate between Jaya and Yogi following a fierce argument. Their differing emotional responses reveal underlying issues that threaten the progress they've made throughout their trip.

    Where:Gangtok

  2. 12

    Heartfelt Apology

    Realizing his mistakes, Yogi takes the initiative to apologize to Jaya. This heartfelt moment signifies a turning point in their journey, as he expresses his desire for them to grow closer.

    Where:Gangtok

  3. 13

    Jaya's Acceptance

    Grateful for Yogi's apology, Jaya agrees to be his girlfriend. This agreement marks a significant moment of connection and understanding between them, cementing their bond as they explore their relationship further.

    Where:Gangtok

  4. 14

    A Lasting Connection

    As they explore the serene beauty of Gangtok together, Jaya and Yogi begin to truly understand each other. The journey they've undertaken profoundly changes their lives, illustrating the importance of love and introspection.

    Where:Gangtok

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Qarib Qarib Singlle?

2 characters, among them Yogendra 'Yogi' Kumar Devendra Nath Prajapati (Irrfan Khan) and Jaya Shashidharan (Parvathy): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Irrfan Khan as Yogendra 'Yogi' Kumar Devendra Nath Prajapati (Irrfan Khan) in Qarib Qarib Singlle

    Yogendra 'Yogi' Kumar Devendra Nath Prajapati (Irrfan Khan)

    Played by Irrfan Khan

    Yogi is a nuanced character showcasing a blend of charm and traditional values. His poetic nature and awkward humor reveal his reluctance to fully let go of his past. Throughout the journey, Yogi grapples with his feelings, ultimately seeking honesty and connection with Jaya, making him both relatable and endearing.

    • 📖 Poet
    • 😅 Awkward
    • ❤️ Romantic
  • Parvathy as Jaya Shashidharan (Parvathy) in Qarib Qarib Singlle

    Jaya Shashidharan (Parvathy)

    Played by Parvathy

    Jaya is a strong-willed and conflicted protagonist who embarks on this adventure with a sense of reluctance. As a divorced woman navigating the dating scene, her journey is marked by moments of vulnerability. Through her experiences, she evolves from being cautious to embracing her feelings, showcasing resilience and growth.

    • 💼 Professional
    • 😔 Vulnerable
    • 🌱 Evolving
Setting

Where and When Is Qarib Qarib Singlle Set?

Qarib Qarib Singlle is set in Rishikesh, Jaipur, Gangtok and Dehradun. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern challenges of relationships and dating through platforms like Tinder. This time period also highlights the cultural blend of tradition and modernity, evident in the characters' interactions and lifestyles.

Where

Rishikesh, Jaipur, Gangtok, Dehradun

The movie spans multiple vibrant locations in India, each contributing to the story's richness. Rishikesh is known for its serene ashrams and lush landscapes, while Jaipur dazzles with its royal palaces and vibrant culture. Gangtok, perched in the Himalayas, is celebrated for its tranquil beauty and rich heritage, providing a perfect backdrop for the characters' emotional journey.

  • 🏞️ Scenic
  • 🚂 Travel
  • 🕌 Cultural
Themes

What Are the Themes of Qarib Qarib Singlle?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Relationships, Self-discovery and Adventure.

  1. 01

    Love & Relationships

    The theme of love and relationships unfolds as Jaya and Yogi confront their pasts while navigating the complexities of modern dating. Their journey reveals the importance of understanding, acceptance, and personal growth in relationships. Through various encounters with Yogi's exes, they explore what it means to truly connect with someone.

  2. 02

    Self-discovery

    Jaya's reluctance to engage in dating reflects her journey of self-discovery. As she navigates through her feelings of insecurity and the expectations from her peers, she learns more about herself and what she truly seeks in a partner. Yogi's adventure encourages both characters to confront their fears and embrace vulnerability.

  3. 03

    Adventure

    What begins as a mundane journey transforms into an adventurous quest filled with unexpected twists. From missed trains to river rafting escapades, the unpredictability of their trip emphasizes the spontaneity of life. The adventurous spirit serves as a catalyst for their evolving relationship, pushing them to embrace the chaos together.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Qarib Qarib Singlle?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A charming and whimsical road trip comedy that follows two mismatched individuals on a journey of self-discovery, blending lighthearted adventures with moments of romantic tension and nostalgic reflection.

  • whimsical
  • hopeful
  • nostalgic
  • comedic
  • romantic
  • uplifting
  • road trip
  • romantic comedy
  • self-discovery
  • past relationships

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FAQ

Qarib Qarib Singlle Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Qarib Qarib Singlle, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Qarib Qarib Singlle about?

In the bustling backdrop of modern India, two freshly single souls find themselves pushed by friends and circumstance into an unexpected partnership. Jaya is a pragmatic life‑insurance agent whose recent divorce has left her wary of the dating world, while Yogi is a poetic, slightly old‑fashioned…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Qarib Qarib Singlle take place?

Qarib Qarib Singlle is set in Rishikesh, Jaipur, Gangtok and Dehradun. The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting the modern challenges of relationships and dating through platforms like Tinder.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Qarib Qarib Singlle?

The story follows Yogendra 'Yogi' Kumar Devendra Nath Prajapati (Irrfan Khan) (played by Irrfan Khan) and Jaya Shashidharan (Parvathy) (played by Parvathy).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Qarib Qarib Singlle?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Love & Relationships, Self-discovery and Adventure.

The themes explained

Who directed Qarib Qarib Singlle?

Qarib Qarib Singlle (2017) was directed by Tanuja Chandra and runs 2 hours 5 minutes.

Tanuja Chandra’s films

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