"Snow white syndrome", India's obsession with fair skin...

It is being called "Snow White syndrome" in India, a market where sales of whitening creams are far outstripping those of Coca-Cola and tea.

India also has the world's second most lucrative marriage industry - the first being neighbouring China - that has grown to a whopping $40bn a year spent on weddings, dowries, jewellery etc.

And demand for fair-complexioned brides and grooms to grace these occasions is as high as ever.

Fuelling this demand are the country's 75-odd reality TV shows where being fair, lovely and handsome means instant stardom. More...

Don't miss:

1. I am black, but I wish I were white. Sad...
2. It's not just your caste, it's also the colour of your skin...
3. I hate being black...
4. Why are so many black and Asian women desperate to be white?