Rapper and songwriter Raja Kumari says Shah Rukh Khan’s presence at the Met Gala is a sign of the ‘brown renaissance’ finally taking center stage. This rise of South Asian faces in global pop culture, she says, is long overdue.
Kumari, who’s worked with big names like AR Rahman and Anirudh, was just nominated for the 2025 American Music Awards for her track in ‘Arcane: League of Legends Season 2’. She’s the only Indian-origin artist on the list.
Growing up in California, she always felt stuck between identities—too Indian for America, too Western for India. That inner conflict became fuel for her music, like her track ‘NRI’, which dives deep into the immigrant struggle.
She says shows like ‘Never Have I Ever’ would’ve made a big difference growing up. But instead of waiting for representation, she made her own lane—bold, loud, and proud of her roots.
Over time, her art evolved too. Her new album ‘Kashi to Kailash’ blends ancient Indian sounds with modern beats. She sees India as her creative playground, full of layers and stories to explore.
Kumari hopes India continues to uplift artists, especially songwriters, whose rights she feels need better protection. As for her own journey—she’s not stuck in the past. Her sound will keep growing. Just like the brown renaissance she’s proud to be part of.