RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 – Raja’s Interview.
She is one of the most original drag queens I have ever seen and no one can work the runway like she can, so when RuPaul crowned Raja America’s Next Drag Superstar on the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 3 it came as no shock to me as I was hailing her praises from week 1. It was a pleasure to sit down and interview Raja just 12 hours after it was announced that she was our new queen!
Take me back to August when you were crowned, how did it feel and what was going through your mind?
I was ready because it had been so many weeks of us working so hard. The competition got drawn out with a non-elimination, someone coming back, etc. It was exciting for it to be over and for it to be my deal.
How hard has it been to keep the secret?
Oh my god, I am the worst at keeping secrets and it has been the hardest thing in my life, but I kept it. It was super difficult to do, but I didn’t even tell my parents.
What are you going to do with the money?
I am going to spend it….probably wisely and I am also going to save some of it.
At what age did female impersonation become an interest?
I think as soon as I was able to see. I think I said to myself when I was born “the world is so pretty I think I should put women’s clothes on.”
How did you pick your name?
My name was chosen for me by a friend that was working for Disney. The film ‘Aladdin’ came out and the tiger was named Raja. In Indonesia (where I am from) Raja means “King” and it just stuck with me. I thought it could be ironic that I was a drag queen named “King.”
What and where was the first time you were on stage?
My first moment in drag was in high school at a summer art program. Friends dressed me up and I performed “Groove is in the Heart” by D’light. I was about 16.
How does your family react to you performing as a female impersonator?
It’s been a work in progress. We have a dialogue now, but when I first started out they didn’t understand it. Keep in mind my dad is a minister. But I have always been the cuckoo, funny kid. Now I can be open with them about everything.
How did you go about getting on “RuPauls Drag Race.”
I had no idea I was going to do it, but my friends coaxed me a lot so I auditioned and I got it. It happened so quickly.
You captivated me every week on the runway. How did you become such a runway aficionado?
My love of drag started from my love of fashion. I really adore fashion. I study it, and obsess about it. I have always wanted to be a super model, so runway is my thing.
Tell me about the man behind Raja?
Sutan or “Satan with a U” is a laid-back type of guy. I like hanging out and daydreaming and I am a little bit of a glitter hippie. I am an artsy-fartsy, goofy Eurasian freak.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you?
I think I am an open book. Nothing would surprise anyone. Although something that may surprise people is that I am a big fan of spicy food. I can put hot sauce on ice cream and cereal.
Describe Raja in 5 words?
Love to prance in heels!
What’s ahead for Raja?
There’s a lot ahead. I don’t know what it is exactly because I have always been the kind of person that follows my gut. But I see it as a beautiful colorful path and I will follow it. I am thinking about a fashion show and possibly my own show, but who knows.
To book Raja go to @sutanamrull on Twitter.
