The Bhalerao family has 12 members, all living in the same room. Tarubai is the oldest one, 80 years old. She lived in Bombay until 20 years ago, when she moved to Pune. Although she's very old, she is the one who keeps some normality in the family, dealing with men's behaviour, often aggressive, the frustrations of the children and the lack of perspectives of everyone.
Tarubai is preparing lunch for the rest of the family.