Rapper and songwriter Raja Kumari has raised concerns about how Western brands continue to treat South Asians. In a conversation with Mid-Day, she shared that Cartier refused to lend singer Diljit Dosanjh the iconic Patiala necklace for his Met Gala appearance. However, the same brand had given the necklace to a YouTuber, Emma Chamberlain, two years ago.
According to Raja, “Sure, the West still exoticises us. But we’re pushing back and saying that we’re more than their stereotype.” She explained that although Western institutions claim to be inclusive, their actions sometimes show otherwise. Raja called such behavior “performative inclusion.”
Recalling the Past: When She Was Called “India” or “Yogi”
Raja Kumari also opened up about her early days in the music industry. She recalled how people didn’t refer to her by name. “Earlier, when I was writing songs for top talents, I used to be the only Indian in the room. They’d call me India or Yogi, and I’d play into it too, with lyrics about mangoes and curry,” she said.
However, things have changed. Raja noted, “We’ve evolved. Now there are more South Asian stories being told — not just by musicians, but also actors, writers, and directors.”
The Cartier Controversy: What Happened with Diljit Dosanjh?
Raja brought up the controversy surrounding Diljit Dosanjh’s look at the 2024 Met Gala. Dressed like a modern-day Maharaja in a custom outfit by designer Prabal Gurung, Diljit wore a turban, kurta, and tehmat. He also carried a traditional sword to complete the ensemble.
His team reportedly tried to borrow the legendary Patiala necklace from Cartier. But according to The New York Times, Diljit’s stylist, Abhilasha Devnani, said they were told the necklace “sits sealed in a museum.”
What Makes the Patiala Necklace So Special?
Back in 1928, the Maharaja of Patiala commissioned Cartier to craft a luxurious necklace made of 2,900 diamonds, weighing 1,000 carats. At that time, it cost ₹10 crore. Today, it’s worth around ₹21,000 crore or $2.5 billion.
Despite its rich South Asian history, the necklace—or at least a piece of it—was seen on American YouTuber Emma Chamberlain at the 2022 Met Gala. This raised questions about cultural representation and fairness. Raja Kumari said, “That kind of erasure is infuriating.”
“Bindis and Bangles”: A Statement of Identity
Raja also revealed how cultural pushback inspired her music. She recalled how her US music label didn’t understand her insistence on wearing a bindi. In response, she created the song Bindis and Bangles, turning her personal experience into an anthem of identity and pride.
