Alia Bhatt praises Songs of Paradise: 'Watching Mama Soni Razdan is my greatest delight'

Summary:

• Alia Bhatt lauded Soni Razdan and Saba Azad for their performances in Songs of Paradise, calling it a heartfelt journey of music and dreams.

• The film, directed by Danish Renzu, chronicles Noor Begum’s life, celebrating her bravery and Kashmir’s musical heritage.

• Songs of Paradise will stream on Prime Video from August 29, 2025, highlighting its cultural and emotional significance.

Alia Bhatt recently shared a heartfelt note on her Instagram story, expressing her admiration for the performances of her mother, Soni Razdan, and Saba Azad in the film Songs of Paradise. Alia called the film "a heartfelt journey of music, hardships, and dreams," lauding Saba for blending innocence with strength in her portrayal and describing watching her mother on screen as her "greatest delight."

Tale of music, dreams, and hardships

Songs of Paradise, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Danish Renzu, tells the story of Noor Begum, a pioneering singer from Kashmir whose life and music inspired generations. In the film, Saba plays a younger Noor and Soni plays her later in life, creating a split storyline. The performances were perfect, Alia wrote in her note, and her mother "could never, ever have a single fault." She went on to congratulate the whole team for bringing "this magic on screen".

The film is based on the life and career of the first female playback singer from Kashmir, Raj Begum, who was awarded the Padma Shri. Renzu, along with Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo, wrote the film, which celebrates Noor Begum's bravery in defying expectations and pursuing her musical dreams during a time when women had limited options.

ALSO READ: Songs of Paradise trailer: Saba Azad and Soni Razdan celebrate music, courage and defiance in Kashmir’s valley

Supporting cast and musical brilliance

Among the outstanding actors featured in Songs of Paradise are Lillete Dubey, Taaruk Raina, Sheeba Chaddha, and Shishir Sharma. Abhay Sopori's score, which includes the vocals of Masrat Un Nissa, enhances the plot and brings Kashmir's musical legacy to life.

The film exposed Saba to the life and legacy of Raj Begum, and the character of younger Noor was "nothing short of a revelation," as the actor puts it. She made it clear that the film is an ode to strong, independent women. Soni paid tribute to Kashmir's musical heritage by describing her performance as "a profound experience" as the elder Noor Begum, a role that reflects her ethnic identity and the resilience she has exhibited over the years.

OTT release

Songs of Paradise will be available to stream on Prime Video (subscribers of OTTplay Premium will also be able to watch the film with a top-up) from August 29, 2025, and both Alia's message and the film highlight its emotional and cultural importance by bringing viewers inside the life of a woman who changed Kashmir's musical scene.

FAQs:

Q: What is Songs of Paradise about?

A: Songs of Paradise is a film inspired by the life and musical journey of Raj Begum, Kashmir’s first female playback singer. It tells the story of Noor Begum, a talented singer who defied societal norms to pursue her passion for music.

Q: Who stars in Songs of Paradise?

A: The film features Saba Azad as the younger Noor Begum and Soni Razdan as the older Noor. Other cast members include Zain Khan Durrani, Sheeba Chaddha, Taaruk Raina, Shishir Sharma, and Lillete Dubey.

Q: Who directed Songs of Paradise?

A: Songs of Paradise is directed by Danish Renzu, with the script co-written by Niranjan Iyengar and Sunayana Kachroo.