BLUF: Lara Raj is a 20-year-old Indian-American singer, dancer, and actress, born November 3, 2005, best known as a founding member of HYBE and Geffen Records' global girl group KATSEYE. She stands 5'6" (167 cm), identifies as queer, and has an estimated net worth of $800,000–$1.1 million as of 2026.
Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Lara Rajagopalan |
| Stage Name | Lara Raj |
| Date of Birth | November 3, 2005 |
| Age (2026) | 20 years old |
| Birthplace | Stamford, Connecticut, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Tamil (Indian & Sri Lankan) |
| Height | 167 cm / 5 ft 6 in |
| Weight | ~55 kg / 121 lbs (estimated) |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Group | KATSEYE (HYBE x Geffen Records) |
| Net Worth (2026) | $800K–$1.1M (estimated) |
| Relationship Status | Rumored (Orlando, musician) |
| @lararajj (6M followers) | |
| Languages | English, Tamil |
Who Is Lara Raj?
Lara Rajagopalan, known professionally as Lara Raj, is an American singer based in Los Angeles, California. She made her debut in 2024 as a member of KATSEYE, a girl group formed through the 2023 reality show Dream Academy, created by HYBE and Geffen Records.
She is more than a pop star. Lara is the first Indian-origin artist to sign under a HYBE label. She blends Tamil cultural roots with American pop energy — a combination that makes her genuinely unique in today's global music scene.
Trained as a triple-threat performer since the age of four, Lara is also recognized for her role as Sara on NBC's The Blacklist and has appeared in commercials for brands like Macy's and Spotify.
Lara Raj Age and Early Life
Lara Rajagopalan was born on November 3, 2005, in Stamford, Connecticut, to an Indian Tamil mother, Kavita, and a Sri Lankan Hill Country Tamil father, Srivatsan. Lara's mother is a Bollywood dance teacher and chef, while her father is a businessman. Her older sister, Rhea, is a singer-songwriter with whom she learned how to produce music.
Key Early Life Facts:
- Born in Connecticut, raised in Dallas, Texas
- Later moved to Princeton, NJ, then New York City
- Started performing at age five
- Attended the Professional Performing Arts School and LaGuardia High School — the same famous school that has trained many top performers
- In 2018, appeared in an advertisement for the Obama Foundation's Global Girls Alliance alongside Michelle Obama
Her multicultural upbringing gives her art real depth. Growing up Tamil in America means navigating two worlds. Lara turned that tension into a superpower.
For more profiles of young rising stars in entertainment, see our Ilia Isorelýs Paulino biography and Isabella Gómez biography.
Lara Raj Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
Lara Raj stands at 167 cm (5 feet 6 inches). Her build suits her demanding performance schedule as KATSEYE's main vocalist and lead dancer.
| Measurement | Value |
| Height | 167 cm / 5'6" |
| Weight | ~55 kg (estimated) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black / Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Athletic / Dancer |
Her height is well-suited for stage choreography. Many fans note her strong posture and commanding presence in group performances.
Career: From Dallas to Global Pop Stardom
The Debut: Dream Academy (2023)
In 2023, Lara competed in The Debut: Dream Academy, a global survival reality show created to form a new girl group under HYBE and Geffen Records. She earned second place among thousands of contestants worldwide, securing her position in KATSEYE — HYBE's first U.S.-based girl group.
She was scouted by HYBE at age 17 through song covers she posted on social media. That organic path from fan content to K-pop-adjacent global stardom is part of what makes her story so compelling.
Raj is also credited for proposing that the group's initial name "Catseye" be changed to the stylized form "KATSEYE" — a suggestion that was ultimately adopted by the group.
KATSEYE: Debut and 2024–2026 Milestones
As the main vocalist of KATSEYE, Lara is celebrated for her strong stage presence and vocal prowess. The group debuted with their EP SIS (Soft is Strong) on June 28, 2024.
KATSEYE Major Milestones:
| Year | Event |
| 2023 | Placed 2nd on Dream Academy; joined KATSEYE |
| 2024 | Group debuted with EP SIS (Soft is Strong) |
| 2024 | Featured in Netflix docuseries Popstar Academy: Katseye |
| 2025 | KATSEYE released second EP Beautiful Chaos |
| 2025 | Won MTV VMA Push Performance of the Year for "Touch" |
| 2026 | Starred in Baby Keem's "Birds & the Bees" music video |
In June 2025, KATSEYE released their second extended play, Beautiful Chaos. The EP achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, including the United States, South Korea, and Belgium.
Acting and Other Work
Lara's on-screen career predates KATSEYE. Her role as Sara on NBC's The Blacklist showed range beyond music. She has also appeared in commercials for Macy's and Spotify and received scholarships at prestigious dance conventions.
In February 2026, Raj starred in rapper Baby Keem's music video for "Birds & the Bees", playing a character in a toxic relationship with Keem. That crossover into hip-hop visuals signals a deliberate expansion of her artistic identity.
For more on performers who bridge cultures and genres, see our Henry Samuel biography.
Lara Raj Net Worth 2026
Lara Raj's net worth in 2026 is estimated at $800,000 to $1.1 million. This figure reflects her age (20) and the accelerating trajectory of KATSEYE's global success.
Income Sources Breakdown:
| Revenue Stream | Estimated Contribution |
| KATSEYE album sales & royalties | Primary |
| Concert tours and live performances | High |
| Brand deals (Macy's, Spotify, others) | Moderate |
| Instagram sponsorships (6M followers) | Significant |
| Acting roles & commercial work | Secondary |
| Music video appearances (Baby Keem, etc.) | Growing |
Lara Raj's exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, but her primary income stems from her work as a singer, dancer, and actress, particularly as a member of KATSEYE under HYBE and Geffen Records.
At her pace of growth — six million Instagram followers, two successful EPs, a Netflix docuseries, and a music video with a Grammy-winning artist — her net worth will likely double by 2027.
Lara Raj Boyfriend and Personal Life
Who Is Lara Raj Dating in 2026?
Lara Raj's rumoured boyfriend is singer Orlando — a songwriter and musician with 200K monthly listeners on Spotify. His most popular song, "Are You Still in Love with Me?", has over three million streams. Orlando is British and appears to be based in Los Angeles, where Lara also lives.
With KATSEYE members on vacation, Lara appeared to take a trip to India with her family, and her alleged boyfriend Orlando also appeared in photos she shared on Instagram.
Neither Lara nor Orlando has officially confirmed the relationship. Fans have debated the age gap — Orlando is allegedly 25, soon to turn 26, while Lara recently turned 20.
Lara Raj Comes Out as Queer (2025)
This is one of the most significant personal disclosures of her young career.
In March 2025, Raj publicly came out as queer to fans on the idol–fan messaging app Weverse, stating that she had "known I was queer since I was a kid."
Her announcement was met with widespread support and celebrated as a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation, particularly for queer South Asian youth in the global pop landscape.
In May 2025, Raj subsequently received the "Blooming Impact Award" from the Los Angeles LGBT Center. In December 2025, Raj was included in GLAAD's 20 Under 20 list, presented by Teen Vogue — honoring influential LGBTQ youth aged 20 and below.
Very few K-pop-adjacent idols are openly queer. Lara's openness is historically rare in this space, and it has resonated deeply with fans globally.
Lara Raj Family Background
Lara's mother, Kavita, is Indian Tamil and works as a Bollywood dance teacher and chef. Her father, Srivatsan, is Sri Lankan Hill Country Tamil and works as a businessman.
Her family is a direct source of her artistry. Her mother's Bollywood background planted the seed. Her sister Rhea — a singer-songwriter who has appeared on American Idol — nurtured her production instincts.
Family Summary:
| Member | Role / Background |
| Kavita Raj (Mother) | Bollywood dance teacher & chef; Indian Tamil |
| Srivatsan (Father) | Businessman; Sri Lankan Tamil |
| Rhea Raj (Sister) | Pop singer-songwriter; appeared on American Idol |
One personal detail stands out: Raj's grandmother, whom she considered a "spiritual anchor", gifted her a cat's eye crystal before her death — and when the group name was revealed as "Katseye", she felt it was "destiny."
That detail isn't PR fluff. It's a real thread connecting her heritage to her career in an almost poetic way.
Lara Raj 2026: What's New?
Here's what has happened in the most recent months:
- February 2026: Starred in Baby Keem's "Birds & the Bees" music video
- January 2026: Teen Vogue commended her for promoting body positivity and speaking out against diet culture
- December 2025: Named to GLAAD's 20 Under 20 list
- December 2025: Vogue India praised her for challenging stereotypes about Indian beauty
- March 2026: Featured in The New York Times' Midi crossword puzzle
In an article published on December 14, 2025, Vogue India praised Raj for embracing a confident "bombshell" aesthetic and challenging stereotypes about Indian beauty.
She is not a passive pop star. Lara is actively shaping her own narrative — cultural, sexual, and artistic — in real time.
For more on performers redefining their public identity, see our Grant Goodeve biography and Joanna Shimkus biography.
Lara Raj Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
| @lararajj | 6 Million | |
| TikTok | @lararajj | Growing |
| Weverse | Lara (KATSEYE) | Active daily |
| X (Twitter) | @lararajj | Active |
She uses Weverse most intimately — it's where she came out as queer and regularly interacts with her fanbase, called "Eyekons."
Frequently Asked Questions About Lara Raj
Q: How old is Lara Raj in 2026?
Lara Raj is 20 years old in 2026. She was born on November 3, 2005, in Stamford, Connecticut. She turned 20 in November 2025 and is currently one of the youngest members of KATSEYE. Her age places her firmly in the Gen Z generation of global pop artists.
Q: What is Lara Raj's real full name?
Lara Raj's full legal name is Lara Rajagopalan. She shortened it to "Lara Raj" as her stage name for broader international appeal. She is of Tamil descent, with family roots in both India and Sri Lanka. She speaks both English and Tamil fluently.
Q: Is Lara Raj in a relationship?
As of 2026, Lara Raj has not officially confirmed a relationship. She has been photographed alongside rumored boyfriend Orlando, a British musician and songwriter. However, neither has publicly confirmed the relationship status. Lara has identified as queer since March 2025.
Q: What group is Lara Raj in?
Lara Raj is a member of KATSEYE, a global girl group formed by HYBE and Geffen Records through the 2023 reality show The Debut: Dream Academy. She placed second in the competition to earn her spot. The group debuted in June 2024 and has since released two EPs.
Q: Did Lara Raj come out as LGBTQ+?
Yes. In March 2025, Lara publicly came out as queer via the Weverse platform. She stated she had known since childhood. She was later recognized by the Los Angeles LGBT Center and named to GLAAD's 20 Under 20 list. Her coming out was celebrated as a landmark moment for queer South Asian representation in pop music.
Q: What is Lara Raj's net worth?
Lara Raj's net worth is estimated at $800,000 to $1.1 million as of 2026. Her income comes from KATSEYE's music sales, concert tours, brand endorsements, acting work, and social media sponsorships. Given her trajectory, financial analysts expect this figure to grow significantly by 2027.
Q: What is Lara Raj's height?
Lara Raj is 167 cm tall, which equals 5 feet 6 inches. This is above average for female pop performers and complements her stage presence and dance-heavy performances with KATSEYE.
Q: Is Lara Raj Indian or American?
Lara Raj is American by nationality and Tamil by ethnicity. Her mother is from India and her father is from Sri Lanka — both are ethnically Tamil. She was born in Connecticut and raised in the United States. She proudly integrates her South Asian heritage into her stage identity.
Q: What TV shows has Lara Raj appeared in?
Lara Raj appeared as Sara in NBC's The Blacklist, one of her earliest on-screen roles. She has also appeared in the Netflix docuseries Popstar Academy: Katseye (2024) and starred in rapper Baby Keem's "Birds & the Bees" music video in February 2026.
Q: What makes Lara Raj different from other K-pop artists?
Lara Raj is not Korean, yet she operates in K-pop-adjacent spaces. She is the first Indian-origin artist signed to a HYBE label. She is openly queer in an industry where that is rare. She incorporates Tamil cultural elements — like bindis and Om necklaces — into her performances deliberately, not as aesthetics but as identity statements.
References
- Wikipedia – Lara Raj: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Raj
- Simple English Wikipedia – Lara Raj: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lara_Raj
- Teen Vogue – "KATSEYE's Lara Raj Came Out as Queer" (March 24, 2025): https://www.teenvogue.com
- Koreaboo – "HYBE Star's Photos With Alleged Boyfriend Trigger Heavy Backlash" (December 30, 2025): https://www.koreaboo.com
- The Tab – "Lara Raj From KATSEYE Has a Boyfriend Orlando" (January 7, 2026): https://thetab.com
- Parade – "Hybe Girl Group Member Comes Out as Queer" (March 2025): https://parade.com
- Vogue India – "Lara Raj May Just Be the Desi Pop Baddie You've Been Waiting For" (June 2025): https://www.vogue.in
- Famous Birthdays – Lara Raj: https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/lara-raj.html
- Daily Wiki Bio – Lara Raj Wiki: https://dailywikibio.com/actor/lara-raj-wiki/
