Mumbai, India – Songs of Paradise, a musical drama film celebrating the life of renowned Kashmiri singer Raj Begum, is set to debut on Prime Video on August 29, the streaming platform announced on Thursday. The film, directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Danish Renzu, features Saba Azad and Soni Razdan portraying the lead character, Noor Begum, at different stages of her life.
The movie is presented by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production. It tells the heartwarming story of Kashmir’s first prominent female playback singer, whose music became a symbol of defiance and cultural expression during a time of societal restrictions. The film also stars Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina, and Lillete Dubey in pivotal roles.
A Tribute to a Kashmiri Legend
Raj Begum (1927-2016), who was honored with the Padma Shri in 2002, began her journey as a wedding singer before her talent was recognized by her father. She joined Radio Kashmir in 1954, where her uninhibited and melodious voice made her a celebrated figure until her retirement in 1986. Her music was known for coming straight from the heart, inspiring generations of Kashmiri women to pursue their dreams.
Director Danish Renzu, who previously helmed critically acclaimed films such as Half Widow and The Illegal, described Songs of Paradise as a tribute to Begum’s legacy. “The film tells an emotionally stirring story inspired by her music, legacy, and grit during a time when societal restrictions bound women within both emotional and cultural confines,” Renzu said. He praised Saba Azad and Soni Razdan for “beautifully embodying the protagonist across two distinct phases of life in this poignant portrait of a true legend.”
Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment called the film a “timeless tale” from the culturally rich land of Kashmir, highlighting how Begum’s voice not only brought pride to the region but also inspired future generations. Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, stated that the platform is committed to bringing “a remarkable lesser-known true story of resilience and independence” to audiences worldwide.