Suhagan

Suhagan literally means married woman, who in Hindu culture sports the various attributes such as a mangalasutra, vermillion on her forehead, henna on her hands and feet, wears colourful clothes, jewelry and represents the Goddess Lakshmi in the household. When a woman is widowed, she is not entitled to use any of these accouterments. Jagat Prasad (Pran) , is a landowner, who is ever willing to help his fellow villagers with money, even at the cost of diminishing his inherited wealth. He is a thought leader of the village, his integrity unquestionable. His two daughters Jyoti (Padmini Kohlapure) and Janaki (Sridevi) are of marriageable age. Ramu (Jeetendra) is a tenant farmer, who tills Jagat Prasad's land. A simple man uneducated, who reeks of being decent. He is in love. Jyoti is in love. Her sister Janaki is a girl who loves reading, and is also in love with a man called Murli, who is wealthy and educated. LeelaKrishna (Shakti Kapoor) provides comic relief in a villainous role of providing inimical advice. Masterji (Kader Khan} is the village school master, who continues to provide guidance even as the children grow up. The pivotal question is whether a woman should remain in an unhappy marriage? Why does a father perform Shrardha for a living child? What is the big deal for a woman to die with vermillion on her forehead and turmeric coated feet, accouterments of married woman?