Who Is KATSEYE Member Lara Raj? Know All About Her VMA Win, Net Worth And Family

For years, brown girls everywhere have been looking for someone to represent who they are. Then one day we got Lara Raj! 

Who is Lara Raj?

Born in Connecticut and raised in New York, Lara Rajagopalan is an Indian-American singer, dancer, and actress. Her passion for the arts was cultivated from a young age, with her starting training in acting, dancing, and singing at just four. Her older sister, Rhea Raj, is also a musician, and the two co-produced songs together in a home studio during their teenage years. Lara’s break came when, at age 17, she was invited via an Instagram direct message by Hybe and Geffen Records to audition for their global talent quest, The Debut: Dream Academy. After a rigorous competition, she was selected as one of the six final members of the group KATSEYE, which debuted in 2024.

VMA Win

As a key member of KATSEYE, Lara recently celebrated a significant achievement: the group’s first VMA win. This milestone is another step in their successful journey, which has seen them quickly establish themselves as a global force in pop music. The group, formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, is known for its diverse, multinational lineup.

Family and Heritage

Lara’s family has been instrumental in shaping her artistic and cultural identity. Her mother taught Indian classical music and dance, immersing Lara and her sister in their heritage. Lara is proudly of Indian, specifically Tamil, descent, and she frequently incorporates her background into her public image, often seen wearing a bindi, a nose ring, and gold jewellery. She has openly stated that her primary mission is to ensure that 'brown girls growing up and the entire South Asian community feels uplifted and powerful and confident,' highlighting her commitment to cultural representation.

Personal Life and Net Worth

Lara is an openly queer artist, having come out publicly on the fan platform Weverse. She shared that she had known her sexual orientation from a young age and has been out since she was 14. Her openness has made her an inspirational figure for queer South Asian youth worldwide. Details regarding her exact net worth are not available in the public domain. However, her career is rapidly ascending, with KATSEYE gaining global recognition through their music and high-profile ad campaigns, such as the one for GAP denim. Before her music career, she also starred in a campaign video for Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance.