What Is The New Musical Drama Songs of Paradise About?

In the conflict-ridden valley of Kashmir, Songs of Paradise, the upcoming biopic inspired by the life and legacy of Padma Shri recipient Raj Begum, narrates the story of the first female singer at Radio Kashmir at a time when women's rights were limited.

At the center of the narrative is Noor Begum, a fictionalised portrayal of Raj Begum, the trailblazing singer who rose to prominence in Kashmir’s conservative post-independence era. It highlights the people who opened doors for female artists in the valley and helped them break barriers and stereotypes.

The role is portrayed across two time periods by Saba Azad and Soni Razdan, with both actors earning early praise for their emotionally layered performances. The ensemble cast includes Sheeba Chaddha, Zain Khan Durrani, Taaruk Raina, and Lillete Dubey.

The film is a collaboration between Excel Entertainment, Apple Tree Pictures, and Renzu Films, and marks a return to form for director Danish Renzu, who co-wrote the film alongside Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo.

“This is a story of courage, art, and the power of voice,” said Renzu in a statement. “Raj Begum’s legacy as Kashmir’s first female playback singer is both culturally significant and emotionally compelling. We wanted to bring that spirit to screen, not just through performance, but through a soundscape that honors her musical roots.”

Songs of Paradise delves into the artist’s journey from anonymity to icon, set against the evolving political and cultural landscape of the Kashmir Valley. The film is anchored in period-accurate visuals and traditional Kashmiri music, blending local folk instruments with contemporary cinematic scoring.

The film is a way to tribute a generation of women who dared to be heard. Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment, emphasised the film’s cultural resonance. “Noor Begum’s voice was more than music it was a movement. We’re proud to be part of a project that gives her the global recognition she deserves.”

The film also serves as a statement on representation, both in terms of regional narratives and female-led stories from conflict zones. It is one of the few Indian titles in recent memory to center Kashmir from a woman’s perspective, and it arrives amid growing international interest in South Asian biopics.

With awards season around the corner and a strong pedigree of talent behind it, Songs of Paradise is already generating buzz as a potential international breakout for Prime Video’s original film slate.

Songs of Paradise is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on August 29.