Spin Master Bollywood Legends
Approx. price: £14.99
Age range: 3+
Website: www.spinmastertoys.co.uk
Spin Master’s Bollywood Legends Dolls capture the glamour and beauty of the Indian film industry (the largest in the world, in case you’re keeping score). Four of Bollywood’s biggest names have collaborated in producing these poseable 12-inch figures – Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Kajol and ex-Miss World Priyanka Chopra.
The first thing you notice is how accurate the dolls’ faces are. A quick look at Kajol, pictured here alongside Hrithik Roshan at the official launch of the dolls at Hamleys in September) shows that her looks have been captured very well – right down to the fine details, like her hazel-green eyes.
The dolls have moveable legs (articulated at the knee) and heads, with the arms moving at the shoulder. The supplied clothes are of good quality and suitably dazzling, especially in Kajol’s case.
Clothing can be removed easily, so girls can dress and undress their dolls to their heart’s content and with a dash of jewellery these really are nicely appointed figures.
The boxes come with biographical details on the actors (Kajol admits on her box that she is terrified of cockroaches and has a childhood secret that would get her into trouble even today if she revealed it!)
The dolls were created by Shameen Jivraj, who has previous experience with Sindy Dolls products, and that experience shows here. The range will obviously be a draw for those with a love of Bollywood films, but there is broad appeal here and anyone who likes a well-made doll will be attracted.
Our one issue was, initially, the price. The original price of £24.99 does not compare favourably with rivals like Barbie (although Barbie obviously has economies of scale working in her favour), but a recent reduction makes the price much more palatable. You can now buy the Bollywood Legends for just £14.99.
That makes these quality dolls even more appealing.
Durability: 4/5
Longevity: 4/5
Value: 4/5
Score: 82%
Conclusion: Appealing, well-crafted dolls with a touch of Bollywood glamour
