Story of South Asian doll Kavi Sharma not restricted to Indian American girls, says writer Varsha Bajaj

Late last year, American toy company Mattel Inc launched Kavi Sharma, an Indian doll, as its 2023 Girl of the Year under its brand American Girl, a premium brand for girls. Kavi joins the company’s long line of contemporary characters, introduced more than 20 years ago, that represent a wide range of backgrounds to reflect what it means to be an American girl today. Whether it’s singing show tunes or learning new dance moves, Kavi loves performing, is how American Girl described the character of Kavi.

“And, growing up with her close-knit Indian American family in New Jersey, she’s only a short train ride from her two favourite places in the world: New York City and Broadway! While Kavi shines onstage, keeping up with her offstage priorities like schoolwork, friendships, and family responsibilities can be a challenge—just like it is for so many kids today.”

Kavi’s character is an 18-inch doll with brown eyes, medium skin tone, and layered dark-brown hair styled in a half ponytail. The product collection is filled with outfits and accessories that reflect her passion for performing including a mini keyboard that plays six different tones; a vanity with working lights that plays five songs and a vibrant Bollywood dance costume.

“I was given both creative freedom and editorial input during the writing of the book. Very early in the creative process we determined that Kavi would be passionate about performing, music, and dance,” bestselling Indian American writer Varsha Bajaj, who worked with American Girl, and was part of the team that did the demographic research behind creating the story of Kavi, told the Times of India. Kavi’s story is shared in both an illustrated paperback journal that comes with the doll and a hardcover novel, It’s Showtime, Kavi, debuting this year. Her joie de vivre, her love of family and zest for life appeals to all readers and Kavi’s story is not restricted only to young Indian American or South Asian girls, feels Bajaj.

“I grew up reading Enid Blyton series, L.M. Montgomery, Nancy Drew (Carolyn Keene) and Hardy Boys (Franklin Dixon). They were the books accessible to me. I connected with those books because the characters were three dimensional, and the plots were kid friendly even while my life was not reflected in those stories. That holds today. Memorable characters that change and grow appeal to all readers. Books are windows and mirrors. Kavi’s story will provide a mirror for some and a window into a new world for others,” she said. Showcasing slivers of Indian culture, including dance, yoga traditions, food, clothing, and festivals like Diwali and Holi, was also important in creating Kavi.

Bajaj who grew up in Mumbai, and went to the United States for her master’s degree, is a writer of picture books, middle grade fiction and short stories for children of all ages. “Children between 9 and 14 are coming of age, forming their identities, and discovering a world view that is independent of their parents. I was a therapist and counsellor before I became a writer and I find that stage of life and growth fascinating,” she said.

Her American dream was shaped in a big way during her years as a student. “I came to America as a graduate student in the fall of 1986. The diversity of the international student body was exhilarating. My roommates were American women and my world expanded in infinite ways. I’m thankful for those immersive years,” she said.

And while her Indian immigrant experience is the lens through which she sees the world and the foundation of her identity; Bajaj feels that all of her work speaks to not just Indian American readers but to all readers. “Seeing parts of one’s life represented on the page is a powerful experience and makes a reader feel seen. I visit schools and it is heartening to see the responses of South Asian kids,” she says.

Bajaj, who lives in Houston, Texas, feels a strong and eternal connection with India. “I visited often because my parents lived in India till, they passed. I have friends and family in India,” she said.