Main Bhi Ladki Hoon (1964)

A wealthy young man marries a simple, dark-skinned woman, and his family, especially its proud elders, refuse to accept her because of her complexion. She bears the humiliation with quiet strength while trying to win a place in the household. Main Bhi Ladki Hoon ("I too am a girl") is the Hindi version of the Tamil hit Naanum Oru Penn (1963), also directed by A. C. Tirulokchandar. It was one of the many Hindi films made by Madras studios in the 1960s, and it gave Meena Kumari a dignified role opposite the rising Dharmendra, with Balraj Sahni in support. Its theme of colour prejudice within the family remains strikingly relevant.