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A Historic Achievement for Raja Kumari

Raja Kumari, the talented rapper-singer-songwriter, recently celebrated her victory at the American Music Awards, where her track 'Renegade (We Never Run)' from the Arcane League of Legends Season 2 soundtrack won the Favourite Soundtrack: Dance/Electronic Award. This remarkable achievement makes her the first artist of Indian descent to receive this honor, leaving her overjoyed and grateful as she lit a deepak in her puja room.

Expressing her pride, Raja stated, "It’s a tremendous honor to represent India on a global platform. I believe it’s my responsibility to reshape how the world views India and its people." She previously gained attention for her performances at Coachella alongside Ali Sethi and for opening the Wireless Festival.

Born as Svetha Yallapragada Rao in the United States, Raja has remained connected to her Indian heritage. In an engaging interview, she shared insights into her spiritual beliefs and culturally rich lifestyle.

The Essence of 'Renegade'

Discussing her award-winning song, Raja reflected on a verse from the Bhagavad Gita: "Don’t be attached to the fruits of your labor; focus on your work." She emphasized that her intention was never to win an award but to create something exceptional. "I approached the song without expectations, simply aiming to do my best," she explained.

 

Tasked with crafting a powerful track that encapsulated India's essence, Raja embraced the challenge, merging various musical styles to produce a song that is distinctly hers. Upon its release, Arcane quickly climbed the charts, becoming one of Netflix's Top 10 shows globally, and the song gained immense popularity.

A Journey Through Music

Raja's journey into music began later in life. Initially a classical dancer, she was on track to pursue a PhD in religious studies when a year dedicated to music changed her path. Just as she was ready to step onto the international stage, the pandemic struck, causing many of her ambitious plans to be postponed. "I was in a dark phase, which makes this American Music Award feel like a divine acknowledgment of my struggles," she shared.

 

During this challenging time, a Bollywood opportunity arose with the title song for 'Jawan'. "By then, I had established myself as a musician, allowing me to steer my narrative in Bollywood, a space known for its unpredictability. I believe I have carved out a unique space for myself that cannot be easily replaced," she stated.

Collaborations and Future Aspirations

With hits like 'Allah Duhai Hai', 'The Wakhra Song', and the 'Jawan' title track, Raja has solidified her place in the music industry. Notably, filmmaker Atlee refers to her as his lucky charm. Raja has collaborated with prominent artists such as Gwen Stefani, Iggy Azalea, Fifth Harmony, and Sidhu Moosewala, whom she fondly remembers as a gentle giant.

Her latest album, 'Kashi to Kailash', features a mix of devotional songs, with one in English and the rest in Sanskrit. "This album reflects my true self and the various phases of my life," she remarked.

A Surreal Encounter with AR Rahman

Meeting the legendary AR Rahman was a personal goal for Raja. One day, she inquired about him from someone in the art community, who connected her with Raghav, a collaborator of Rahman. That same day, she met both Raghav and Rahman at his home in Los Angeles. "I knew that crossing that threshold would change my life, and it did! Now, when Rahman praises my songwriting, I can hardly believe it," she expressed.

Embracing Her Alter Ego

Raja also has an alter ego named Kumari Kaur. Reflecting on a comment from Honey Singh about her connection to audiences, she said, "I plan to explore regional languages in my music. I’m excited for Kumari Kaur to discover her identity. Plus, I find Punjabi boys quite charming—perhaps that will lead me to a tall Punjabi munda!"

 

She concluded, "Many artists create a persona, and Raja Kumari was born in America as a warrior goddess deeply rooted in her culture. That’s the identity I’ve built!"

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