The trailer of Soni Razdan and Saba Azad starrer Songs of Paradise, a musical-drama film based on the life of renowned Kashmir singer Raj Begum, was unveiled by the makers on Monday. Directed by Danish Renzu, the film is presented by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment and produced by Apple Tree Pictures Production and Renzu Films Production.

The film also features Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chadha, Taaruk Raina, Shishir Sharma, and Lillete Dubey in pivotal roles.

The trailer opens with Soni Razdan readying to give a performance as Noor Begum (a fictionalised name for Raj Begum), a renowned singer in Kashmir at the moment. Tarruk Raina’s character is shown as an admirer, who is interested in sharing her story with the world. We then see Saba Azad as Noor of years gone, a defiant young girl, shackled by a patriarchal society, trying to make her mark as a singer. Her voice is appreciated by whoever listens to it but her conservative surroundings won’t let things come easy.

Talking about essaying the role, Saba, who herself is a singer, said, “As a musician I pride myself for having a vast listening vocabulary and yet I was entirely in the dark about the phenomenon that is Raj Begum. This film has led me to the incredible story of her life and times and her unending musical repertoire” she said.

“Songs of Paradise is a story that moved me the moment I read the script, and stepping into her character was a profound experience, embodying decades of resilience, strength, and cultural identity,” added Razdan, who plays the older version of the character. “It’s a powerful narrative that honours Kashmir’s musical legacy and captures the essence of her remarkable journey.”

Songs of Paradise will start streaming on Prime Video from August 29.