When and where can I see Songs of Paradise, a musical drama based on the life of Kashmiri vocalist Raj Begum?

The OTT platform revealed on Thursday that Songs of Paradise, a musical drama based on the life and career of well-known Kashmiri vocalist Raj Begum, will premiere on Prime Video on August 29. Danish Renzu, a filmmaker from Los Angeles, is the film’s director. It is presented by Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production.

The main character Noor Begum is portrayed by Saba Azad and Soni Razdan in two distinct eras of the film. Lillete Dubey, Taaruk Raina, Sheeba Chaddha, and Zain Khan Durrani will also play important parts.

The story, which was written by Renzu, Niranjan Iyengar, and Sunayana Kachroo, is set against the stunning backdrop of Kashmir and is characterized as a touching tale that combines music, defiance, and the unwavering spirit of the region’s first well-known playback singer.

Before becoming one of Kashmir’s most influential female vocalists, Raj Begum started out as a wedding singer. Encouraged by her father, she began working for Radio Kashmir in 1954. Her unrestrained, melodious, and high-pitched voice made her a popular figure on the station until her retirement in 1986. For Kashmiri women, Raj Begum’s music was a symbol of freedom and cultural expression, and she was praised for singing from the heart.

She received the Padma Shri (2002), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013), and the State Award from the government of Jammu and Kashmir (2009) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music. At the age of 89, she passed away in 2016.

Renzu, who has directed movies such as “Half Widow” and “The Illegal”, said the film is a tribute to Begum.

“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. It is the story of a woman who dared to dream when dreaming itself was an unspoken taboo.

“Saba Azad and Soni Razdan beautifully embody the protagonist across two distinct phases of life in this poignant portrait of a true legend, complemented by unmissable performances from a stellar ensemble cast,” the filmmaker said.

Ritesh Sidhwani of Excel Entertainment called the film a “timeless tale” from the culturally rich land of Kashmir.

“The film beautifully unfolds chapters from the life of Padma Shri awardee Noor Begum, whose voice not only made her the pride of the region but also inspired generations to come,” he added.

Manish Menghani, director and head of content licensing, Prime Video India, said the platform is committed to stories that inspire and entertain.

“’Songs of Paradise’ offers a fresh and emotional perspective rooted in Kashmir’s rich musical legacy and brings to life a remarkable lesser-known true story of resilience and independence,” Menghani said.