"I always wanted to come into Bollywood to influence it."
Raja Kumari addressed her influence on Bollywood, revealing her connections to the Indian film industry.
The star also spoke about her keenness to contribute to the industry.
She added that she was excited having worked with Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen.
She explained: “Yes I love the Bollywood dream. I have been Easter-egging this.
“For someone who grew up in America, Bollywood was my connection to my culture, understanding how to be Indian, because we didn’t have many examples other than our parents.
“So, I think between Shah Rukh, Madhuri and Sushmita, I have watched their many performances, films, and I am their fan, and I always wanted to work with them.
“And now that I am here, I just want to enjoy and do a lot more.
“I always wanted to come into Bollywood to influence it, and I do feel my influence on Bollywood right now.”
Raja Kumari and Sushmita Sen collaborated on ‘Sherni Aayi‘ – a song from the web series Aarya (2023).
On the collaboration, Raja Kumari said: “[Sushmita] is a sherni (lioness), like actually a real deal.
“I feel I am just a big fan of everybody, so when I get into these positions to write these theme songs, I just want to celebrate how Sushmita makes me feel.
“And when I see her, I feel powerful.
“Being on set with her, watching her command that much energy, and just being such a boss, is so inspiring.
“I feel like I took a lot from that day. I saw myself in her and I saw like maybe in the future, I want to be that powerful too.”
The artist also sang the title track for SRK’s Jawan (2023). The film is one of the highest-grossing films of 2023.
Delving into performing the song, she said:
“In the same way, it was easy to write the Jawan anthem for SRK, because it was a song dedicated to him from us, his fans.”
Divulging into her rapping influences, Raja Kumari shared:
“When I get into that aggressive tone, I think that is very authentic to me.
“I think the first character I played as a classical dancer was ‘Mahishasura Mardini’.
“So, I started in this world slaying demons, and I think Aarya has that nature.”
The star also talked about her dabble in Hindi music.
She said: “It was crazy to sing in Hindi because that’s something I haven’t explored enough.
“But this song had those Sanskrit elements, and that’s my comfort space.
“So, I was really excited to write something that aggressive.”
Born Svetha Yallapragada Rao, Raja Kumari has worked with a variety of artists.
These include Gwen Stefani, Fifth Harmony and Sidhu Moose Wala.
She also sang hits such as ‘Husn Parcham‘ from Zero (2018) and ‘Afreeda‘ from Dil Bechara (2020).
Loading ...