When women come together, great things can happen, says rapper Raja Kumari

She’s fierce, fun and a feminist. Indian-American rapper Raja Kumari carved her own path by deciding to enter the music industry instead of following in her parents footsteps and becoming a doctor – something, which at that time, was expected of her.

The rapper has worked with artists like Iggy Azalea, Gwen Stefani and Fall Out Boy and was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2015.

In a quick chat with ET Panache on Women’s Day, Kumari shares her advice for young women who want to make their own choices and tells us how we all need to give the ladies in our life a sisterly shove in the right direction.


We before me
“Women need to connect with each other more fiercely, mentor one another, ensure our voices are heard at the table and create sustainable opportunities for one another,” Kumari tells ET Panache. She says that when women come together, great things can happen and that we need to stop being threatened by the success of other women.

“Your success is not diminished by the success of another. Being a cheerleader for one, casts a wider net.”

The need of the hour, according to Kumari, is encouragement, engagement, taking on that leadership role and sometimes, just being vocal about the good and the bad. “Women can learn from each other’s mistakes and achievements, but only if we narrate and retell those stories. Representation matters, so share your story. Mentoring is the greatest gift you can give and it doesn't cost a dime,” she says.

Some of the women Kumari looks up to include Madhuri Dixit, Lauryn Hill, Kamala Harris, Missy Elliot and Beyonce. And one of her takeaway lessons from them is to just be yourself. “Own your lane, and never stop when someone tells you can’t, I always think it’s best to listen to what you want as opposed to what other people expect out of you, that’s the only way to be happy.”