The journey to stardom is rarely easy, but for Nethra Raman, a 21-year-old singer from Sydney, the road has been filled with passion, resilience, and a deep love for music. Nethra is currently competing on The Voice Australia 2024, representing Team Kate Miller-Heidke, and her talent is making waves across the country.
As part of our “Weekend with Indians in Sydney” series, we were thrilled to interview Nethra, who shared her incredible story with us. Even though she is not a member of the Indians in Sydney Facebook group, her journey and connection to the Indian-Australian community resonate deeply with many of us. Nethra’s dedication to her Indian heritage, combined with her love for Western pop, creates a unique blend of music that has captivated the nation.
A Unique Fusion of Cultures
Nethra’s rise to fame has been largely fueled by her passion for combining Bollywood with Western pop. Her viral TikTok mashups have attracted a wide audience, showcasing her ability to blend two distinct musical cultures into something fresh and exciting. During our interview, Nethra discussed how growing up in a multicultural environment like Sydney allowed her to embrace both her Indian heritage and the influences of Western music.
“Bollywood has always been a huge part of my life,” Nethra said. “I grew up listening to both Indian and Western music, so blending the two felt like the most natural way to express myself.”
Her performance on The Voice Australia has been nothing short of spectacular, earning her a coveted spot on Team Kate. Nethra shared how nervous she was before her audition but also how grateful she was for the outpouring of support from her family and the broader Indian-Australian community.
The Impact of Representation
One of the most touching moments in the interview came when Nethra talked about the importance of representing the Indian-Australian community on such a major platform. “Being on The Voice Australia gives me a chance to showcase our rich culture through music,” she said. “I hope to inspire other young Indian-Australians to embrace their heritage and share it with the world.”
Though not a member of the Indians in Sydney Facebook group, Nethra’s journey has inspired many within the community. The group, which has grown to over 135,000 members, serves as a platform to celebrate and uplift Indian-Australian voices across various industries, including the arts, business, and community service. Indians in Sydney, founded by Nadeem Ahmed, continues to be a beacon of support for those seeking connection and encouragement while navigating life in Australia.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Nethra continues to move forward in the competition, she remains focused on staying true to her roots and honoring the support she has received from loved ones. Her mentor, Kate Miller-Heidke, has helped her grow as an artist, providing valuable guidance on how to showcase her unique sound. “Kate has been amazing—she understands my musical vision and pushes me to do my best while staying authentic,” Nethra said.
Looking ahead, Nethra is determined to continue breaking boundaries, both musically and culturally. She hopes her journey will inspire others to embrace their backgrounds and use it as a source of strength.
A Message to the Next Generation of Artists
Towards the end of our interview, Nethra offered some heartfelt advice to young, aspiring artists: “Never be afraid to be yourself. Embrace where you come from, and let that be your strength. The more you bring your culture into your art, the more unique and powerful your voice will become.”
Her words serve as a reminder to all of us about the importance of staying connected to our roots, even as we navigate new opportunities and challenges in life.
Closing Thoughts
Nethra Raman’s journey on The Voice Australia is a story of talent, perseverance, and cultural pride. Though she is not a member of Indians in Sydney, her story resonates deeply with the community. We are incredibly proud to see someone of Indian heritage making such an impact on a national platform and look forward to following her journey.
You can catch Nethra Raman on The Voice Australia airing on 29 September on Channel 7. And if you’re not already a part of the Indians in Sydney Facebook group, consider joining to connect with over 135,000 fellow members who celebrate and uplift the Indian-Australian community.
