American Girl just launched their latest ‘Girl of the Year’ and the internet has gone crazy over the very first South Asian main character, Kavi Sharma. The doll is a punky Broadway-loving dancer and singer and was revealed as American Girl’s 2023 “Girl of the Year” on Thursday, December 29, 2022.
The company also described the doll as a girl who lives in Metuchen, New Jersey. Jamie Cygielman, General Manager of the brand, said in a press statement:
“As we usher in a new year, we are thrilled to have Kavi Sharma at the center of our popular Girl of the Year lineup. Like all of our beloved characters, Kavi’s culturally relevant and aspirational stories help inspire kids to shine in their own way and be proud of who they are.”
At the same time, social media users have shared their reactions to the historic launch of an IndianAmerican Girls doll. A netizen took to Twitter and said ecstatically:
“It’s Happening People!”
“Your existence still means so much to and so many Desi Americans”: Netizens are overjoyed after the launch of American Girl Kavi Sharma
The famous Brand American Doll first launched the “Girl of the Year” in 2001. In the past 21 years, there have been many dolls of mixed ethnicity. From 2006’s Jess McConnell, who was half Japanese, to 2011’s Kanani Akina, who was part Japanese-Hawaiian, to last year’s Corinne Tan, who was of Chinese descent, and now Kavi, who has become the fourth doll of Asian descent .
Netizens are delighted to see the first doll of Indian-American descent. One social media user took to Twitter and exclaimed:
“Welcome, Kavi Sharma. If you came out ten years ago when I was obsessed with American girl, I would have been over the moon and begged my parents to get you. even though I’m not at that stage of my life, your existence still means so much to so many desi Americans.”
My inner child is CRYING for joy!@American girl‘s 2023 Girl of the Year is Kavi, a South Asian Jersey girl! Never in my dreams could I imagine myself in puppets & TV/movies in the US! Between this and Ms. Marvel (also a Jersey girl!) – I feel you “seen” #RepresentationMatters https://t.co/l5GPF33Z0p
In case you care: Kavi Sharma is your 2023 American Girl Doll Girl of the Year. The first clear photo just leaked. https://t.co/XVSyMEmUbb
🏻♀️
I like that new one @American girl Pop of the year is from exit 10! and likes to hang out in NYC! Yes Kavi! Yes! Metuchen ♀️ 🙋🏻 https://t.co/h2hSwjax6a
1.) Kavika “Kavi” Sharma – American Girl GOTY 2023 – 🔥 https://t.co/aT6Ufvhphh
American Girl Doll Kavi Sharma on sale for $115
With the launch of the latest ‘Girl of the Year’, the company also announced its retail price, which is $115. American Girl Doll also announced that other accessories would also be available for purchase with the doll.
Announcing the same on social media, the company said:
‘Broadway, here she comes! Meet Kavi, our Girl of the Year 2023!”
In addition, they also shared her story and said:
“Kavi” is American Girl’s first-ever South Asian “Girl of the Year” character and, as part of her story, lives with her close-knit Indian-American (Hindu) family in Metuchen, NJ – a short train ride from her from favorite place in the world, New York City and Broadway!'”
Kavi” is American Girl’s first-ever South Asian ‘Girl of the Year’ character and, as part of her story, lives with her close-knit Indian-American (Hindu) family in Metuchen, NJ – a short train ride from her favorite place in the world, New York City & Broadway!” https://t.co/xO4Cox97GB
Like all American Girl Dolls, Kavi is an 18-inch doll with brown eyes, tan skin and dark hair. The doll wears a colorful mesh crop top, silver sweatpants and pink tennis shoes. Other accessories in the collection include a mini keyboard, foldable stage, roller cabinet, dressing table, Bollywood dance costume, plush dog, faux fur bucket hat, quilted bag and more.