I remember loving Barbie as a girl. Blonde hair, porcelain-like skin and a size-zero figure. I’d associate these qualities with Barbie; never having felt like something was missing. But I grew up, and I realised that Barbie existed outside of these constructs.
I have my B-Town girls to thank for that; who showed me that Barbie could be a corporate boss-girl, a popular, misunderstood student navigating love, and so much more. All while owning their beauty and looking fine while doing it. Here’s a look at a few characters who reminded me of Barbie through the years. Imperfections and all.
Neha Melwani, Dostana
Our O.G. desi-girl Barbie who was ambitious and driven: Neha Melwani. From her poker-straight, side-swept layers to her kohl-rimmed eyes and show-stopping thumkas, Neha had it all, and she wanted more. The Indian Barbie must be fashioned after this sari-clad boss-lady. I said what I said.
Shanaya Singhania, Student Of The Year
Shanaya’s feminine-max, delicate-darling demeanour felt very Barbie-esque to me; you can blame Regina George for that. The pretty, popular girl who loved headbands, fiery-red lipstick, and jhumkas? That’s her, and she’s competitive AF. But she showed me that everyone has insecurities, and that’s normal.
Poo, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
Poo. Need I say more? Poo was more Barbie than Barbie herself, and she wasn’t shy about it. Poo never felt like she was too much, and that was her superpower. From the Y2K frosty lips that she liked overlining to the fun, graphic doodles around the eyes, the less-is-more philosophy was hers and only hers to claim.
Sunehri, Dhoom
The seductive, sultry Barbie who loved adventure: lo and behold Sunehri. She showed me that Barbie didn’t have to be a sit-still, look-pretty girl. With the sky-high ponytail, razor-thin brows, icy-blue eyeshadow, and caramel-brown highlights, she conspired, strategised, and defended herself effortlessly.
Naina, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Naina Talwar showed me that being smart was cool — maybe even hot. Her duality was unmatched. She grooved to songs with a blow-out that looked salon-done, but she was simple and unfiltered at so many points in the movie. She made me feel that Barbie is real, she’s a nerd, and I’m obsessed.
That being said, I simply cannot wait to watch Barbie grace the screen again!
Featured Image: Instagram
