Kashmir, August 30, 2025: Prime Video has launched the global premiere of Songs of Paradise, a poignant musical drama directed by Kashmiri filmmaker Danish Renzu, on August 29, 2025. Inspired by the life of Padma Shri awardee Raj Begum, Kashmir’s first prominent female playback singer, the film pays tribute to her trailblazing journey and enduring musical legacy. Presented by Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production, the movie is now streaming exclusively in India and over 200 countries.
The film, written by Renzu alongside Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo, stars Saba Azad and Soni Razdan as Noor Begum, portraying the character across two eras, alongside Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina, Shishir Sharma, and Lillete Dubey. Set against Kashmir’s breathtaking backdrop, Songs of Paradise weaves a story of music, resilience, and defiance, chronicling a young woman’s rise from a wedding singer to a cultural icon at Radio Kashmir, defying societal norms of the 1950s.
Renzu described the film as a heartfelt tribute to Raj Begum’s grit, stating, “It tells an emotionally stirring story of a woman who dared to dream when societal restrictions bound women within cultural confines.” Producer Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment called it a “timeless tale of a champion for Kashmir’s artists, layered with emotion and hope.” The film’s soulful compositions by Abhay Sopori and vocals by Masrat Un Nissa enhance its authentic portrayal of Kashmir’s musical heritage.
The star-studded Mumbai premiere on August 28 drew luminaries like Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah, and Zoya Akhtar. Bhatt praised the storytelling and performances, particularly Azad’s blend of innocence and strength and Razdan’s compelling portrayal, noting, “The performances and music stay with you long after the film ends.” Critics have lauded its poetic simplicity, with The Times of India giving 3.5/5 stars for its honest storytelling, though some, like The Hollywood Reporter India, noted its lack of emotional depth.
