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คNi Wayan Ayu Lestari, or more affectionately known as Tari, was born in Denpasar, Bali, in 2006. She grew up in a humble family deeply devoted to the arts. Her father was a traditional artist, while her mother was a Balinese dancer. Since childhood, Tari had been surrounded by music and traditional dance. The sound of the gamelan echoing through her home, the graceful movements of her motherโs danceโall of it shaped Tariโs little world, filled with art.
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คTari was not alone in her journey. She had an older brother named I Wayan Arya Mahendra, born in 2003. Though different in some ways, the two shared a close and harmonious sibling bond. Arya, with his laid-back yet protective nature, often teased Tari, but deep down, he was her biggest supporter. When others doubted Tari, Arya was one of the few who never wavered in his belief that she could achieve her dreams.
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คBy the age of five, Tari had already shown a talent for singing. She loved singing along to the rhythm of the gamelan or the folk songs her mother often sang. However, her dream of becoming a modern singer was not always welcomed by her family. Her parents hoped she would continue the Balinese dance tradition that had been passed down for generations.
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คAs she entered her teenage years, Tari discovered the world of Indonesian pop music and K-pop. She was captivated by the energetic dances and melodious voices of the singers she watched on television. Secretly, she began to learn their style of singing and dancing. Every night, when the house was quiet, she would play music softly and practice in front of the mirror. Her brother, Arya, often caught her practicing in secret, but instead of telling their parents, he would simply smirk and demand a song request in exchange for his silence.
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คHowever, when her father found out about her interest in modern pop music, conflict arose. He believed that modern music could erase her cultural identity, while Tari felt she could blend the two together.
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คAside from family conflict, Tari also faced challenges at school. She was often ridiculed by her classmates for having what they considered an unrealistic dream. Some found her strange for choosing to practice singing and dancing instead of playing like other kids. Some mocked her, while others said that someone from a humble family like hers would never make it in the entertainment industry. Despite it all, Tari remained strong. She used their doubts and ridicule as motivation to work even harder.
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คAlthough Arya sometimes teased her with his usual brotherly jokes, he was secretly her biggest protector. When kids at school bullied her, Arya was always the first to stand up for her. "When youโre on TV one day, donโt forget to sign an autograph for them," he would say with a confident grin. Despite facing numerous challenges, Tari never gave up. She began uploading cover songs on social media. Even though some people still belittled her, she held onto her dreams. Until one day, one of her cover videos went viral. A major music agency in Korea noticed her and offered her an audition.
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คThe year 2023 changed her life forever. After a nerve-wracking online audition, Tari was invited to travel to Korea and train as a trainee. It was a tough decision. Her family remained hesitant, especially her father, who feared that she would forget her roots. But her mother, who had secretly been supporting her all along, finally convinced him to let her go. Arya, who had always believed in her, congratulated her with a pat on the head. "Donโt forget to bring me souvenirs when you become an idol," he joked, even though deep down, he knew he would miss her terribly.
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คLife as a trainee in Korea was incredibly difficult. The intense vocal and dance training, fierce competition, and overwhelming homesickness became major challenges. Tari often felt the pressure, but she always carried a traditional Balinese cloth given to her by Arya before she leftโa constant reminder of her home. She believed that one day, she would prove to her family that she could succeed without abandoning her culture.
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คFinally, 2025 became Tariโs year of triumph. She debuted in an Indonesian girl group alongside seven other trainees. In every performance, she made sure to incorporate elements of Balinese cultureโwhether through dance, costume motifs, or even gamelan melodies rearranged into modern compositions.
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คHer success inspired many young Balinese people to pursue their dreams without forgetting their roots. But what meant the most to her was that her father, who once doubted her, now watched her with pride. Arya, who had always been her biggest supporter and best friend, was the first to hug her when she returned to Bali after her debut.
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คTari had not only proven her talent but had also brought Baliโs name to the national music stage. As a way to give back, she founded a performing arts school for children who shared dreams like hers. Now, she was not just an idolโshe was a symbol of perseverance, passion, and love for the culture that raised her.
