A DOLL'S HOUSE
Harper's Bazaar India|September 2023
America Ferrera on reconstructing Barbie for a new generation of young women.
HELENA LEE
A DOLL'S HOUSE

America Ferrera was never a Barbie girl. Born to Honduran parents in LA, the actress wasn’t interested in the blue-eyed, blonde-haired doll. ‘I didn’t play with Barbies for a number of reasons,’ she says. ‘We couldn’t afford them. And they just didn’t resonate with me. I didn’t see myself reflected in that world in a way that captured my imagination.’

It seems curious, then, that the actress, who is known as a champion of inclusivity, takes top billing alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling in the new Barbie film, one of the most-hyped releases in cinematic history. But, as she explains, ‘What’s exciting about being a part of this movie about such an influential icon in our culture is getting to expand and shift the narrative to include more of us, so young girls and boys can see themselves in something so dominant.’

Ferrera’s character Gloria, a Mattel employee who is ‘low on the totem pole’, is central to the action: a woman whose imagination, fears and aspirations drive the story. The film itself is an existential jamboree, in which ‘stereotypical Barbie’, played by Robbie (who conceived the project), leaves the utopia of Barbie Land on a quest to discover why she has developed ‘thoughts of death’ and cellulite. The two characters meet in the real world, and an irreverent and comedic odyssey ensues.

This story is from the September 2023 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 2023 edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HARPER'S BAZAAR INDIAView All
Bright Vision
Harper's Bazaar India

Bright Vision

Following in the footsteps of artist Alice Neel, Alex Preston finds endless sources of inspiration in Cuba, from Havana's raw charm to the shimmering shorelines of the Cayos.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
What the Fish!
Harper's Bazaar India

What the Fish!

Salmon sperm is currently making waves in the realm of skincare. Bazaar India dives into what makes this celebrity-approved procedure stand out and if it's truly worth the buzz.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
The Hormone Fix
Harper's Bazaar India

The Hormone Fix

Is HRT the wonder solution to menopause?

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
OWNING HER JOURNEY
Harper's Bazaar India

OWNING HER JOURNEY

Actor Sara Ali Khan talks to Bazaar India about why she does not allow fame to validate herself, what exhausts her, and much more.

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2024
THE STAR NEXT DOOR
Harper's Bazaar India

THE STAR NEXT DOOR

Aditya Roy Kapur is more about meaningful connections than flashy displays. The actor shares his love for the craft, his balance approach in life, and why he has never consciously tried to craft an image.

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 2024
THE REAL DEAL
Harper's Bazaar India

THE REAL DEAL

Kiara Advani has progressed to finer things in life. She doesn't take success for granted and is set to take her craft to the next level. In a freewheeling chat, she talks about her journey, evolution as an actor, goals for 2025, and more.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
The Turning Page
Harper's Bazaar India

The Turning Page

Our year-end recommendation, perfect for cozying up this December.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
Ride the Wave: Priyanka Chopra
Harper's Bazaar India

Ride the Wave: Priyanka Chopra

In an exclusive interview with Bazaar India, the actor talks about why it's important to keep going and what fuels her to push the boundaries.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Tale of the Storyteller
Harper's Bazaar India

Tale of the Storyteller

Writer-director Mozez Singh talks about his upcoming projects, his love for the camera, and the know-how on finding oneself.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
For Cinema With a Conscience
Harper's Bazaar India

For Cinema With a Conscience

Natasha Mudhar, the founder of The World We Want Studios, talks to Bazaar India on bridging art, impact, and authenticity in films.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024