Lara Rajagopalan
Lara Rajagopalan | |
|---|---|
Lara in 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lara Rajagopalan |
| Born | November 3, 2005 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Dancer |
| Years active | 2023–present |
| Labels | HYBE, Geffen |
| Associated acts | KATSEYE |
Lara Rajagopalan (born November 3, 2005), known mononymously as Lara Raj, is an American singer and dancer based in Los Angeles, United States of America. She is best known as a member of the global girl group Katseye, formed through the 2023 survival show The Debut: Dream Academy organized by HYBE and Geffen Records.
Early life and education
Lara was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is of Tamil descent, with roots in both India and Sri Lanka. From a young age, Lara trained in singing, acting, and dance, beginning her performance career at age four. She is fluent in both English and Tamil.
Pre-debut
Before joining KATSEYE, Lara appeared in commercials for Macy’s and participated in advocacy campaigns, including a 2018 video for former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance. She was also involved in public speaking and modeling, having hosted segments for the American Heart Association’s "Go Red for Women" campaign.
Career
2023: The Debut: Dream Academy
In 2023, Lara joined the global audition program The Debut: Dream Academy, competing among 20 contestants. She gained immunity in several missions and ultimately finished second, securing her place in the final six-member lineup of KATSEYE.
2024–present: KATSEYE debut and success
Lara officially debuted as the main vocalist of KATSEYE on June 28, 2024, with the EP SIS (Soft Is Strong). The group followed up with their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, released in June 2025, which debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
Lara is noted for her powerful vocals, stage charisma, and incorporation of South Asian cultural elements in her style and performances.
Artistry
Lara cites Rihanna, M.I.A., BTS's Jimin, and ENHYPEN’s Ni-ki as her musical inspirations. Her interests include songwriting, styling, crystals, and coffee. She has eight tattoos, each symbolizing personal milestones.
Personal life
In March 2025, Lara came out as queer via a public message on Weverse. She has expressed pride in her multisexual identity and advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility in the entertainment industry.
Controversies
In early 2025, Lara was falsely reported to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by an anonymous tip claiming she was undocumented. The accusation was dismissed, and she publicly reaffirmed her U.S. citizenship. Fans and civil rights advocates viewed the incident as racially motivated harassment and rallied in support of her.
2024–present: KATSEYE debut and success
Lara officially debuted as the main vocalist of KATSEYE on June 28, 2024, with the EP SIS (Soft Is Strong). The release marked the group’s entry into the global pop scene under HYBE and Geffen Records.
KATSEYE followed up with their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, released on June 27, 2025. The album achieved significant success, propelling the group to new heights. Singles such as "Gnarly" and "Gabriela" contributed to its strong commercial performance. Beautiful Chaos debuted on several international charts, reaching the top ten in Belgium, South Korea, and the United States, and earning KATSEYE their first entry on the Billboard 200 chart.
Discography
- With KATSEYE:
- SIS (Soft Is Strong) (2024)
- Beautiful Chaos (2025)
Filmography
- The Debut: Dream Academy (2023) – Contestant
- Michelle Obama’s Global Girls Alliance campaign (2018)
References
External links
- @lararajj on Instagram
- Official website
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