Balakrishna, fondly called Balu, is an economically disadvantaged but multi-talented dancer, adept at the Indian classical dances of Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Kathak, etc. His simple and very honest soul does not permit him to attain professional success in the commercial world that requires a certain level of moral laxness. Madhavi, a wealthy young woman and a dance patron, notices his talent and acts as his benefactor, helping him secure an opportunity to participate in a high-level classical dance festival.

Balu's aging mother passes away from the afflictions of poverty two days before the performance. Balu, who was very attached to her, is emotionally devastated and fails to participate in the dance festival. Madhavi nevertheless, gives him support and encouragement and sets him on the mend. Balu gradually develops a fondness for Madhavi as their relationship grows. He hides his love for her but eventually picks up the courage to express it. Balu discovers that, while Madhavi shares his feelings, she is a married woman separated from her husband. The husband later returns to unite Madhavi and Balu, but Balu decides to sacrifice his love showing respect for the institution of marriage.

The years pass, and Balu, a disappointed man, has become an inconsolable alcoholic and a newspaper journalist/art critic. Once he critiques a dancer Sailaja for her lack of concentration on the dance and more towards the audience, which results in them having a fight. This article is in-turn read by Madhavi who turns out to be Sailaja's mother, who has lost her husband in this time. She finds out about Balu, his medical condition and his never ending love for her and her family. In a bid to revive his will to live and his passion for his art, she tends to his medical needs through his friend Raghu and solicits Balu to be the dance master for her daughter. And doesn't come in front of him worried that he wouldn't be able to cope up with the news of being a widow, but situation arises where she needs to save him from falling into a well, she comes in front of him wearing a bindi (similar to wearing a Sindhoor). Later he learns the truth about her and his condition deteriorates.

The film ends with Sailaja's stage performance with Balu watching her in a wheelchair, his health completely deteriorated, and he dies. Raghu is seen taking him away quietly, without interrupting the performance. Madhavi follows him with an umbrella covering Balu from the rain.