Vandana Tripathi (Aradhana)

Vandana Tripathi is a central character in the 1969 Hindi film "Aradhana." She is portrayed as a young, innocent, and loving woman. She is depicted as intelligent and strong-willed, especially when faced with adversity. Vandana is compassionate and self-sacrificing, willing to make personal sacrifices for the well-being of her son. Despite the hardships she faces, she remains dignified and resilient, embodying the essence of grace under pressure. Vandana is the daughter of Dr. Gopal Tripathi, a widower and a medical doctor. She falls in love with Arun Varma, an Indian Air Force officer, and they secretly marry. Tragically, Arun dies in a plane crash shortly after their marriage, leaving Vandana pregnant. Vandana's father also passes away, leaving her destitute. She gives birth to a son, Suraj, and puts him up for adoption, hoping to legally adopt him the next day. When her employer's brother-in-law attempts to molest her, her son Suraj intervenes and kills him in self-defense. Vandana takes the blame for the murder to protect her son and is sentenced to life imprisonment. Years later, after her release, she meets her son again, who has grown up to be a pilot, unaware of her true identity. Vandana's story is one of love, loss, and unwavering maternal devotion. It's a poignant tale that showcases her strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.