Born in a low-caste family of chamars (cobblers), Chandu alias Chandrashekhar (Dev Anand) helps his father repair shoes and other footware for a small pittance. One day a girl from a rich and wealthy family, Vidya (Suraiya) stops by to get her shoe repaired. She wants Chandu to stop doing this menial job, and go to school, study and become someone important. She offers help financially, and gets Chandu to school. Both grow up and are attracted to each other. Both intent to marry, but obstacles open up in the form of Harry alias Harilal (Madan Puri), and Vidya's alcoholic dad, who will not permit his daughter to mingle with a boy from a lower caste.