If you want to see a side of Kashmir that isn‘t buried under the ‘Files’ of a jaundiced perception; if you want to focus on its rich, poetic culture and not on its conflict scarred image; if you want to stay away from the echoes of violence in a war ridden, geopolitically complex State; and if you want to happily hum the sweet tunes of resonance and resolve, or listen to the musical whispers drifting in the willow trees and in the flowing rivers of the Valley, then watch ‘The Songs Of Paradise’.

This musical drama is loosely inspired by the life of Padma Shri Raj Begum- the Melody Queen of Kashmir, the Nightingale of the Valley. It is based on the life and legacy of Kashmir’s first ever lady singer, whose revolution was small and gentle, yet relentless. With a voice humming from within her bones, it was a voice powerful enough to bend even the geo-cultural map of its time.

The story is about an innocent girl with spectral calm, stuck between millions of social fears, hurdles, ridicules, and shady contracts. Even in her struggle for recognition, her life is so sheltered, we follow the film only through her gaze- her parents, her teachers, her managers, and her husband.

Even her activism is rooted in an uncomplicated almost naïve view of fairness. It’s not like she’s trying to be the revolution, but just becomes one by virtue of who she is. There is so much of quiet intensity in Noor Begum’s character that every gesture is calibrated less to attract attention and more to reclaim it.

Set in a time and space when the idea of a woman singing in public was taboo, and when women weren’t even allowed to dream beyond marriage, housework and family, here was a girl who resolved never to be taken for granted. What is also refreshing, is that even in the patriarchal field where she was finally allowed to play, patriarchy wasn’t limited only to gender.

In fact it is a ‘regressive’ mother who sees her daughter as nothing but someone’s future property.

Among the other naysayers is a disdainful community that mocks the family for ‘westernizing’ the girls. Not to mention the social stigma attached to music that forces ‘Raj’ to assume a pseudonym ‘Noor’. And of course a sad society that is yet to decode the concept of independence.

Surprisingly, among those who enable her to pursue her generational talent is a ‘progressive’ father (a tailor) through whose support she stitches her musical dreams; a renowned Ustad (Masterji), who urges her to participate in a competition; a radio station Director whose initial cynicism slowly melts away, and an artful lyricists who goes on to become her husband.

Basically, just like in the present day, this plain sailing story is torn between two extremes- too much of tradition and too much of reverence. So much so that the wokeness of the husband, at times feels too modern!

And yet, in spite of all the hurdles, because of her talent and tenacity, the first female Voice of the Valley emerges as the Voice of Freedom, proving that a woman is not just limited to singing lullabies. With harmony in her voice and gravity in her notes, Noor’s rise inspires an entire generation of female singers in the region. And that is the reason the story is so strong and so inspirational.

Not to forget the songs that are pure magic, sung in a voice that is powerful, carrying the essence of Kashmiri folk music with grace and authenticity. Each song is emotional, timeless, and unforgettable. Indeed an uplifting change for all the music lovers who believe in the healing powers of a music.

The ‘Songs of Paradise’ isn’t just a film but a celebration of culture and resilience. It is a rising note carried on a soft sigh, a bendable breath, reminding us that sometimes, revolutions are not always loud. They can also be gentle and pleasing to the ears.

‘Songs of Paradise’ is a hymn to the transformative power of songs and the steady courage behind it. Through a voice that is both fragile and insistent, it is an echo in a world determined to filter out female expression. And even if the Kashmiri accents may feel unusual at first, it adds authenticity and charm, making the experience even more immersive

‘Songs of Paradise’ may not rewrite the rules of biographical cinema, but it definitely hums a tune, sweet enough to linger. The emotional chord of the film is the evocative cultural legacy of Kashmir. And it is indeed refreshing to see a film with a script devoid of any political context of the period but filled with songs that flow straight from the soul of Kashmir.

Music has always been more than just a combination of notes and rhythms. It is a vessel for storytelling. All the songs we cherish often tell stories that resonate deeply with our experiences, dreams, and emotions. And through its compelling tale, ‘Songs Of Paradise’ as the name rightly suggests, tells us the story of a place that a poet once termed as ‘Heaven On Earth’.

Initial release: 29 August 2025

Director: Danish Renzu

Producers: Danish Renzu, Shafat Qazi, Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani

Music director: Peter Gregson

Executive producer: Kanchan Kalra

Production companies: Excel Entertainment, Renzu Films, Apple Tree Pictures

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