The movie tells the story of Raj Malhotra [Amitabh Bachchan], his wife Pooja [Hema Malini] and their four sons Ajay [Aman Verma], Sanjay [Samir Soni], Rohit [Saahil Chadda], and Karan [Nasir Khan]. Raj and Pooja have provided their children with everything they wanted, often at the cost of Raj and Poojas own requirements. The Malhotras also have an adopted son Alok [Salman Khan], who is in love with Arpita [Mahima Chaudhary] [both in special appearances]. Alok was an orphan and Raj had provided him with money and education. Now a successful man, Alok worships Raj because of all his help and thinks him as his own father which he never had. Raj and Pooja also treats him as their own son. Raj has a flourishing job as an ICICI employee, but once he retires, he and Pooja decide to live with their kids to get their love and affection. However their kids do not want them as they think looking after their parents will be a hassle. This is where the story takes a sharp turn; the children decide to split the parents up and for 6 months they will live with two of the four sons and for the next 6 months they will live with their third and fourth sons. The story shows how the aged parents endure this separation as well as horrible treatment from their children after all they have done for them in the past, during their lifetime. Saddened by the treatment he has received from his children and their families, Malhotra writes his feelings regarding how he fulfilled all his children dreams and in return how they treat him. While changing their trains after 6 months Raj and Pooja go for some time together in Mumbai, when they suddenly find Alok, who takes them to his home and gives them the importance and care which their real sons did not give him. Then, Raj finds out that his work has taken a books shape and is named Baghban for which he gains popularity and gets a handsome paycheck. This books sells the first copies immediately and the second edition books are heavily in demand. It is now that the children come back to their parents, asking for their forgiveness, however, they hold an ulterior motive, to get a hold of their parents money. But Raj shuns them and lives with Pooja, Alok, and Arpita, as well as their two grandchildren Payal and Rahul, while disowning the rest of his sons.

Soundtrack

[Composed by Adesh Shrivastava; Lyrics by Sameer] "Meri Makhna" - Sudesh Bhonsle, Alka Yagnik "Kuch To Hone Laga" - Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik "Holi Khele Raghuveera" - Amitabh Bachchan, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik "Main Yahan Tum Wahan" - Amitabh Bachchan and Alka Yagnik "Chali Chali Phir Chali Chali" - Amitabh Bachchan, Alka Yagnik, Hema Sardesai and Adesh Shrivastava "O Dharti Tarti Ambar Tarse" - Amitabh Bachchan and Richa Sharma

Reception

Baghban was premiered at the Leeds International Film Festival in Leeds, England. It was well received and went on to become one of Chopras biggest recent hits.

Development

Inspired by the Kannada Movie "School Master" [1958] directed by B.R.Pantulu , B.R. Chopra initially wanted to remake this movie in Hindi thirty years ago. He wanted Dilip Kumar and Raakhee to play the lead roles. Mohnish Behl was offered Aman Vermas role but he did not accept it because he did not want to be portrayed as the father of a 15-year-old girl. Juhi Chawla was selected for the role of Salman Khans wife in but could not accept because of her pregnancy. Shahrukh Khan was offered the role played by Salman khan. Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini were paired opposite each other after 20 years since their last worked together in Nastik in 1983. Amitabh Bachchan sang four songs himself.