Lara Raj has quickly become one of the most talked-about names in the world of music and entertainment. As a rising star under HYBE and Geffen Records, her journey from being a contestant on The Debut: Dream Academy to officially debuting as a member of the girl group KATSEYE has captured the attention of fans worldwide. Let’s dive into her story, from her early life to her achievements.
Complete Profile of Lara Raj
- Birth Name: Lara Rajagopalan (லாரா ராஜகோபாலன்)
- Stage Name: Lara Raj (also known as Laru)
- Date of Birth: November 3, 2005 (19 years old)
- Birthplace: Stamford, Connecticut, USA
- Hometown: Dallas, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York
- Height: 167 cm (5 ft 6 in)
- Occupation: Singer
- Debut Group: KATSEYE (June 28, 2024)
- Years Active: 2023–present
- Agencies: HYBE, Geffen Records
- Family: Mother – Kavita Raj, Father – Sri Raj, Older Sister – Rhea Raj
- Fandom Color: Sage Green
Lara Raj’s Age and Background
At just 19 years old, Lara Raj has already made significant strides in the entertainment industry. She attended LaGuardia High School in New York City, a school known for nurturing talented students in visual and performing arts. Her family has also played a strong role in her journey, with her older sister Rhea Raj working in the entertainment industry as a singer-songwriter and actress. Her parents, Kavita and Sri Raj, have supported her passion for music and performance since her early years.
Interesting Facts About Lara Raj
Lara Raj is not just known for her vocal ability and success in KATSEYE. Her life is filled with unique experiences, skills, and personal milestones that make her stand out from many other idols in the industry. Here are seven fascinating facts that reveal more about her journey and personality.
1. Early Acting Experience
Before focusing fully on music, Lara Raj appeared as a guest star in the popular NBC series The Blacklist in 2018. This experience introduced her to the entertainment world, showing her adaptability and talent beyond just singing. It gave her confidence to explore more opportunities in performance at such a young age.
2. Rising Star Through The Debut: Dream Academy
Her breakthrough moment came in 2023 when she participated in The Debut: Dream Academy. Competing against global talents, she impressed audiences with her stage presence and vocal power. Finishing second in the finale, she secured her place in KATSEYE, proving her determination and ability to connect with fans worldwide.
3. Multilingual Talent
Lara Raj is fluent in both English and Tamil, which helps her bridge cultural connections with fans from different backgrounds. This multilingual skill not only supports her career as an international idol but also highlights her cultural pride and versatility in communication.
4. Passion for Baking
Outside of her music career, she once ran a baking channel called “Cookie-licious,” where she shared her love for creating sweet treats. This hobby reflected her creativity and showed fans another side of her personality, making her more relatable and approachable beyond the stage.
5. Advocate for Education Rights
Lara Raj’s influence extends beyond music and acting. She appeared in Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance campaign video, promoting equal education rights for young women. Her involvement in such initiatives demonstrates her commitment to meaningful causes and her dedication to using her platform for positive change.
6. Open About Her Identity
On March 24, 2025, Lara Raj came out as queer through Weverse DMs, a brave step that resonated deeply with fans. Her openness about her identity reinforced her authenticity, inspiring many who look up to her for confidence and self-acceptance in today’s evolving world.
7. Self-Described Traits
When asked to describe herself, Lara Raj uses three words: passionate, confident, and real. These words perfectly summarize her approach to both her career and personal life, emphasizing her authenticity and drive to remain true to herself despite challenges in the entertainment industry.
Career Journey and Early Beginnings
Lara Raj’s career began with her appearance on The Blacklist in 2018, which gave her early exposure to the entertainment industry. Her true breakthrough, however, came in 2023 when she participated in HYBE and Geffen Records’ global survival show, The Debut: Dream Academy. Introduced on August 20, 2023, she quickly became a fan favorite for her vocal strength, confidence, and captivating performances.
Throughout the competition, Lara consistently ranked high, gaining immunity during all three missions thanks to her impressive fan support. Her perseverance and talent led her to the finale, where she secured second place and officially became part of KATSEYE.
Role and Contributions in Katseye
As a vocalist in KATSEYE, Lara Raj plays a crucial role in shaping the group’s sound and image. Her powerful yet emotional voice allows the group to stand out in a highly competitive music industry. Beyond her vocal talent, she brings a unique charisma to live performances, enhancing the group’s stage dynamics. Lara is often praised for her ability to connect deeply with fans, embodying authenticity and passion in every performance.
Achievements and Notable Highlights
Since her debut, Lara Raj has been featured in the Netflix documentary Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE (2024), which gave fans a closer look into the group’s journey. She also contributed to the soundtrack of The Debut: Dream Academy – Live Finale with tracks like “Dirty Water” and “All The Same.” Her participation in global campaigns, such as Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance, further highlights her commitment to impactful causes beyond music.
Her career is still at an early stage, yet Lara Raj has already achieved what many can only dream of: international recognition, loyal fans, and a debut under one of the world’s most influential entertainment companies.
Lara Raj’s journey is only just beginning, and her future looks brighter than ever. With her determination, natural talent, and unwavering authenticity, she is set to leave a lasting mark not only as a member of KATSEYE but also as a global artist in her own right.
