Prime Video to premiere musical drama ‘Songs of Paradise’

Songs of Paradise, a musical drama impressed by the life and journey of famend Kashmiri singer Raj Begum, will make its debut on Prime Video on August 29, the OTT platform introduced on Thursday.

Presented by Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production, the movie is directed by Los Angeles-based filmmaker Danish Renzu.

The film options Saba Azad and Soni Razdan portraying the lead character Noor Begum in two totally different time intervals. It can even function Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina and Lillete Dubey in pivotal roles.

Written by Renzu together with Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo, the story unfolds in opposition to the backdrop of Kashmir and is described as a heartwarming story that blends music, defiance, and the indomitable spirit of Kashmir’s first distinguished playback singer.

Raj Begum started her journey as a marriage singer earlier than rising to change into one of the highly effective feminine voices of Kashmir. Encouraged by her father, she joined Radio Kashmir in 1954, the place her uninhibited, high-pitched and melodious voice, and remained a distinguished persona of the station till her retirement in 1986.

Celebrated for singing straight from the guts, Raj Begum’s music was seen as a logo of freedom and cultural expression for Kashmiri ladies.

ALSO READ: Prime Video broadcasts crime thriller ‘Raakh’ starring Ali Fazal, Sonali Bendre and Aamir Bashir

For her exceptional contribution to music, she was honoured with the Padma Shri (2002), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2013), and the State Award by the Jammu and Kashmir authorities (2009). She died in 2016 on the age of 89.

Renzu, who has directed motion pictures reminiscent of Half Widow and The Illegal, stated the movie is a tribute to Begum.

“The movie tells an emotionally stirring story impressed by her music, legacy, and grit throughout a time when societal restrictions sure ladies inside each emotional and cultural confines. It is the story of a lady who dared to dream when dreaming itself was an unstated taboo.”