"Music is like art to me."
KATSEYE member Lara Raj is soaking in the warmth of home as she returns to Chennai, sharing joyful glimpses of her visit through Instagram stories.
The global pop star looked visibly excited, offering fans moments from a city holding deep personal and cultural meaning for her.
From playful selfies to serene temple visits, Lara’s Chennai diary is winning hearts and highlighting her strong connection to Indian roots.
Her posts arrive as her international career continues to soar, balancing global stardom with deeply grounded cultural pride.
Lara kicked off her updates with an adorable photo at home, holding two idlis while playfully covering her face.
The image instantly struck a chord with Indian fans, who celebrated the familiar comfort of a classic South Indian breakfast.
She followed this with snapshots from a local fruit market, capturing Chennai’s vibrant colours and everyday charm.
Another image showed a lush green street, reflecting her appreciation for the city’s calm pace and natural beauty.
One of the most talked-about moments was Lara’s temple visit during her stay.
Dressed in a traditional Indian outfit, featuring a long white skirt and colourful dupatta, she appeared graceful and spiritually centred.
She also shared a picture of a classic South Indian meal, delighting fans who enjoy seeing global stars celebrate Desi culture.
At just 20, Lara Raj is emerging as one of the most exciting young voices in global pop music.
Born in Stamford, Connecticut, and raised between Dallas and New York City, she blends Indian heritage, queer identity, and artistic vision.
As a member of the international girl group KATSEYE, she represents South Asian and LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.
Raised with great cultural pride, Lara often wears bindis, gold jewellery, a nose ring, bangles, and an Om necklace.
Music became central during her teenage years, when she began producing songs in her bedroom studio.
She learned production alongside her older sister Rhea Raj, who shares her love for creating music.
Speaking to Vogue India in June 2025, Lara said, “Music is like art to me. This is what I’m supposed to do.”
Her journey shifted at 17 after receiving a DM inviting her to a HYBE and Geffen global talent competition.
Competing against 20 girls worldwide, she earned her place in an international girl group.
Recalling the moment, Lara said, “The label saw my song covers and suddenly, I was on a plane to LA.”
Lara was joined in Chennai by her sister Rhea, who is 25 and an acclaimed singer-songwriter.
Rhea won the Songwriters Hall of Fame scholarship award in 2020 and Spotify x Gold House Artist of the Year in 2023.
She released her debut album, Hunter, in 2024.
The sisters were born to an Indian mother, Kavita, and an Indian Sri Lankan father, Sri, both ethnically Tamil.
Their mother is a Bollywood dance teacher and chef, while their father is a businessman.
Lara is also a vocal advocate for South Asian representation in media and fashion.
During KATSEYE’s Better in Denim campaign with Gap, she spoke about visibility for young brown girls.
She said her mission is to make the South Asian community feel uplifted, powerful and confident.
Lara cites inspiration from South Asian women, including Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Avantika Vandanapu, and Ramisha Sattar.
Her Chennai visit proves that no matter how far her journey takes her, home will always remain close to her heart.
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