Shaheed presents the inspiring story of one of India’s greatest patriots, Sardar Bhagat Singh, whose "self-sacrifice and bravery," according to Nehru, "passed the upper limits." Manoj Kumar stars as the great Sikh martyr who was instrumental in founding the early revolutionary movements in Lahore. Although the life of Bhagat Singh had been a popular subject for many Indian filmmakers, Kumar’s version is distinct in its efforts to both humanize its subject and celebrate him with song. Despite many attempts to remake this story, Kumar’s version remains unequaled in its depiction of the turbulent events that led to Bhagat Singh’s execution.