At just 19, Lara Raj finds herself at the center of an unprecedented cultural moment, embodying a role she once never thought possible. A year into her career with KATSEYE, the Indian-American pop sensation is shaping a legacy that extends far beyond music. For millions of Desi and South Asian women around the world, she is a symbol of what it means to break barriers, both as an artist and as a person unapologetically herself.
Lara’s journey to global stardom began in a seemingly humble setting, producing music alongside her sister Rhea in their bedroom. Yet, her talent and passion didn’t stay hidden for long. It wasn’t long before HYBE and Geffen Records tapped her for The Debut: Dream Academy, launching her into the international spotlight. Now, one year later, she’s not just part of KATSEYE; she’s a key figure in global fashion campaigns, touring the world, and preparing for the highly anticipated ‘Beautiful Chaos’ world tour. It’s a whirlwind she could have never imagined, yet here she stands, ready to claim her place at the top.
What sets Lara apart, however, is not just her musical prowess. It’s her unwavering commitment to representation. Growing up, she never saw people who looked like her leading global pop acts. But now, as part of KATSEYE, she is living proof that representation matters, not just for the South Asian community, but for the entire LGBTQIA+ community as well.
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Lara’s open embrace of her identity, including her coming-out journey, has had a profound impact on fans, many of whom have found the courage to express their own truths because of her example. Her influence is already changing the industry’s approach to inclusivity, slowly shifting norms that once seemed immovable.
Lara responds to the beautiful post made by a mother who was impacted by Lara’s ad for GAP and what it meant to have representation in mainstream media today:
— KATSEYE News (@NewsKatseye) August 24, 2025
“this made me cry, it was always my dream to have indian, especially south indian representation as a little girl and i… https://t.co/5ue4QY5XPO pic.twitter.com/YlcS6uSI6F
Her role as a trailblazer is not lost on her, but Lara handles it with a level of maturity well beyond her years. As she and her KATSEYE sisters gear up for new heights, they reflect on the intense evolution they’ve undergone. From their sonic shift on ‘Beautiful Chao’ to the internal work of fostering trust and communication, Lara notes how far the group has come. “Communication is what solves, heals, and fixes everything,” she shares, speaking candidly about the importance of understanding each other both as artists and as friends.
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As KATSEYE continues to rise, Lara remains grounded in the face of it all. Despite the overwhelming praise, she and her bandmates face their fair share of online hate. But Lara and her team have learned to compartmentalize and focus on what truly matters: the tangible impact they’re making on the world. For Lara, the goal is simple, she wants every young woman to feel empowered to dream as big as she did. Looking at the path she’s forging, it’s clear that Lara is well on her way to ensuring that those dreams are within reach for countless others.
