 Childhood sweethearts, Devdas (Dilip Kumar) and Parvati or Paro (Suchitra Sen) grow up in a small village with a love-hate relationship which changes to love when they mature. Devdas comes from a very rich and wealthy family. His dad does not approve of his marriage or even any friendship with Paro, and sends him away to Calcutta. Disheartened Devdas gives up on his love, and Paro gets married to a much older man, who has a grown-up son and daughter. Devdas realises he is unable to give up his love for Paro and returns to the village, only to find that she is married. He returns to Calcutta and falls into bad company and alcohol. He is introduced to a dancer, Chandramukhi (Vyjayantimala), who adores him and falls hopelessly in love with him. Devdas in not aware of Chandramukhi s affection and love for him, as most of his time is spent in a alcoholic stupor, and lust for Paro.