Kewal (played by Raj Kapoor) is a protagonist in Aag.
Central protagonist who abandons a forced legal career to pursue theater. He partners with Rajan, casts Nimmi, and severely burns his own face with a torch on stage to preserve Rajan's friendship. Survives disfigured and ultimately marries his childhood love. Nimmi (played by Nargis) appears in Aag.
The third incarnation of the name; a woman displaced by the Partition cast as the lead in Kewal's play. She falls in love with Kewal but ultimately accepts an engagement to Rajan. Nirmala (played by Nigar Sultana) appears in Aag.
College-era classmate who asks to be called Nimmi. She plans a play with Kewal but deserts him on opening night when her parents arrange her marriage to a man in England. Rajan (played by Premnath Malhotra) appears in Aag.
Wealthy patron who finances Kewal's theater company. He becomes infatuated with Nimmi, causing a crisis on opening night that leads to Kewal's self-sacrificial stage fire. Kewal Khanna's father (played by Kamal Kapoor) appears in Aag.
Patriarch who demands Kewal continue the family law tradition. Later reconciles with his son and attends the premiere of his first play. Young Kewal Khanna (played by Shashi Kapoor) appears in Aag.
Depicts Kewal's youth, highlighting his early dream of opening a theater company, sharing it with Nirmala, and his subsequent heartbreak when she leaves.
Aag (1948) character relationship network mapped with AI analysis. Explore the connections, alliances, and conflicts between characters.
Characters
Kewal
(played by Raj Kapoor) — protagonist
Central protagonist who abandons a forced legal career to pursue theater. He partners with Rajan, casts Nimmi, and severely burns his own face with a torch on stage to preserve Rajan's friendship. Sur...
Nimmi
(played by Nargis) — supporting
The third incarnation of the name; a woman displaced by the Partition cast as the lead in Kewal's play. She falls in love with Kewal but ultimately accepts an engagement to Rajan.
Nirmala
(played by Nigar Sultana) — supporting
College-era classmate who asks to be called Nimmi. She plans a play with Kewal but deserts him on opening night when her parents arrange her marriage to a man in England.
Rajan
(played by Premnath Malhotra) — supporting
Wealthy patron who finances Kewal's theater company. He becomes infatuated with Nimmi, causing a crisis on opening night that leads to Kewal's self-sacrificial stage fire.
Kewal Khanna's father
(played by Kamal Kapoor) — supporting
Patriarch who demands Kewal continue the family law tradition. Later reconciles with his son and attends the premiere of his first play.
Young Kewal Khanna
(played by Shashi Kapoor) — minor
Depicts Kewal's youth, highlighting his early dream of opening a theater company, sharing it with Nirmala, and his subsequent heartbreak when she leaves.
Key Relationships
Kewal Khanna's father → Young Kewal Khanna
(father)
Kewal → Kewal
(Temporal Flashback Continuity)
Rajan → Nimmi
(Romantic Unrequited Love)
Kewal → Rajan
(Alliance Creative Partner)
Kewal → Nimmi
(Professional Lead Actress)
Kewal → Nirmala
(Romantic Childhood Crush)
Story Analysis
A flashback exploring theatrical dreams, romantic sacrifices, and ultimate acceptance.
