Melody Perera 

Dear Anika, 
It’s true: Disney is the place where dreams come true. 
I never had the privilege growing up to see someone who looked like me on a Disney platform. Never did I think I’d get to create and play Disney’s first Indian princess! 
Thank you for showing me that a princess can get her hands dirty. That you can honour and share one’s culture and heritage through many forms. That a woman can be intelligent and funny. That a woman can be a leader and do anything she sets her mind to. That in the current state of the world, as a Person of Colour, showing kindness and educating people is of utmost importance.

How does one say goodbye to character you have poured your heart and soul to?

All I can promise you is that I will continue to fight for representation and diversity. To share OUR stories. 
You have inspired so many people and children- especially little brown girls. 
Oh, little brown girls... You gave me the gift of seeing your eyes light up, of seeing my 4 year old self in you.

Thank you Walt Disney World. Thank you Animal Kingdom. Thank you Pixar. Thank you Up! A Great Bird Adventure 
Thank you, Anika. 
Namaste.

-Melody