That was on the occasion of the doll's 50th birthday!
Katrina Kaif has achieved more than most can dream of - blockbuster films, iconic dance numbers, brand deals, and, of course, an ocean of fans who adore her. But besides all that, there’s one unique feather in her cap that totally stands out. She is the first Indian actress to have a Barbie doll modeled after her. Yes, that Barbie, which is a cultural stamp of global recognition. And what better time to look back at this special moment than on her birthday? As the star celebrates another year of stardom, we revisit the time when Katrina went from Bollywood’s Barbie to an actual one on store shelves.
In 2009, as Barbie turned 50, Mattel decided to celebrate the occasion in style at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai. As part of the “Barbie All Doll’d Up” show, Katrina Kaif walked the ramp wearing a glittery pink gown, capturing the classic Barbie vibe with her effortless charm.
Shortly after, Mattel India unveiled a Katrina Kaif Barbie doll, dressed exactly like her runway look. And that's how history was created. Katrina had officially become the first Indian celebrity to join Barbie’s global legacy.
(Credit: DesiHits)
By getting her own Barbie, Katrina entered an elite international club. Some of the most iconic women around the world who’ve been immortalized as Barbies include:
For an Indian actress to be featured in this lineup was a big cultural moment, marking Bollywood’s growing global influence.
Katrina later opened up about how surreal the experience was. In her words, “To have your face on dolls that you’ve played with from childhood is quite flattering. We had been in talks for nearly six months. It finally came together for Barbie’s 50th birthday.”
She also made it clear that this wasn’t a local Indian version. “My Barbie is not just a regional doll. I’ll be dressed the way Barbies are all over the world. It’s an endorsement of how kids connect with me, and I like that.”
Presenting You The Barbie Doll In Real #KatrinaKaif #Katrina pic.twitter.com/TMLg0og1H6
— Katrina Kaiff (@katrinastann) August 13, 2021
(Credit: Katrina Kaif)
The most touching part was that she saw it as a reflection of her personality. “I think I was chosen because I reflect a certain bubbly, wholesome personality, not the ‘se*y’ image that people often tag me with. I don’t want my head to swell, but it is quite something.”
Since Katrina’s milestone, Barbie has honored other Indian women too, particularly in the Shero (She + Hero) series, which celebrates real-life role models:
Happy Birthday, Katrina! Our Real-Life Barbie! Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
