Saba Azad And Sony Razdan Featuring Film Songs Of Paradise Has Started Making Strong Buzz
By Ruby Zaidi
Kashmir is often remembered for its breathtaking natural beauty, snow-clad mountains, and intricate political history.
But beyond its valleys and conflicts, Kashmir also gave India one of its greatest cultural treasures – Raj Begum, fondly hailed as the Melody Queen of Kashmir.
Her soulful voice broke barriers and carved a space for women in a patriarchal world that never envisioned them beyond marriage and household duties.
Now, Amazon Prime Video is celebrating this extraordinary journey through its upcoming film Songs of Paradise, a musical biopic inspired by the life of Padma Shri awardee Raj Begum.
Starring Saba Azad as Noor Begum (Raj Begum’s onscreen persona) and Soni Razdan in a pivotal role, the film promises to be a heartwarming tribute to the legendary singer who redefined music and womanhood in Kashmir.
The official trailer, released recently, has already begun to create a buzz.
Directed by Danish Renzu, Songs of Paradise takes viewers back in time to an era where societal expectations confined women to the domestic sphere.
Yet, amid public shaming, gender bias, and familial resistance, a young Kashmiri woman chose a different path — she listened to the voice within her, embraced her gift, and rose to become a cultural icon.
The trailer shows Noor Begum’s struggles and triumphs in rich detail, reminding us of the courage it took for a Kashmiri woman to pursue music in the face of deep-rooted patriarchy.
Noor’s story is not just about music; it’s about hope, resilience, and rewriting destiny in a world that wasn’t built to let women dream.
Saba Azad, stepping into Noor Begum’s shoes, delivers a stunning performance that radiates innocence and strength.
Her flawless Kashmiri dialect adds authenticity, breathing life into the character.
Through her, audiences will witness a tale of empowerment, a reminder that even in conservative times, there are allies—good men who stand behind great women, as the director Danish Renzu beautifully depicts.
One of the film’s standout dialogues, “Khuda ne sirf auraton ko shaadi karne ke liye zameen par nahi bheja hai” (God has not sent women to this earth just to get married), rings true even today, serving as a mirror to persisting social challenges faced by women in many parts of the country.
Spotlight on Saba Azad
Saba Azad is no stranger to versatility. Known for her breakout role in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011) and her captivating performance in the acclaimed web series Rocket Boys, Saba has carved her niche as an actress with incredible range.
Beyond acting, she is also a celebrated musician as one half of the electro-funk duo Madboy/Mink. Her artistic lineage adds depth to her craft—she is the niece of the legendary theatre activist Safdar Hashmi, and she brings a strong foundation in theatre and dance to her roles.
Her public relationship with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan has also kept her in the limelight, but Saba’s true identity shines brightest through her fearless career choices and artistic flair.
Spotlight on Soni Razdan
Veteran actress Soni Razdan adds gravitas to Songs of Paradise. A seasoned performer, Razdan has been a part of Indian parallel cinema’s golden era with films like Saaransh and Monsoon Wedding, and more recently, Raazi, where she starred alongside her daughter, Alia Bhatt.
Beyond acting, Razdan has excelled as a director and writer, solidifying her reputation as one of Bollywood’s most respected talents.
Her marriage to acclaimed filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt places her within one of the industry’s most influential families, yet her accomplishments stand independent of that legacy.
Songs of Paradise promises not just a cinematic experience but a cultural tribute. It brings alive the essence of Kashmir’s music, heritage, and the story of a woman who dared to defy conventions.
By honoring Raj Begum’s life, the film becomes a narrative of hope and strength for every woman who dreams beyond limitations.
#SongsOfParadise #RajBegum #SabaAzad #SoniRazdan #AmazonPrimeVideo #KashmirMelodyQueen #DanishRenzu #IndianCinema #WomenEmpowerment #BollywoodBiopic #MusicLegends #InspiringStories #PadmaShri #KashmirCulture
