He makes a living as a con-man, gambling and picking pockets with the assistance of another poverty-stricken male, Choti.

He has a friend in Ashok who sells Cavendar cigarettes on busy streets by wearing stilts.

Shiri is unable to pay his fees, and is expelled from school, but a local prostitute, Prema, comes to his assistance, much to the initial displeasure of Panchu.

Then their lives are shattered when Sonu's Goa-based dad falls ill and she goes to visit him via a ship, which sinks, killing everyone on board.

He unknowingly extorts money from the mother of Police Inspector Moti, is subsequently arrested, and jailed.