In late August 2025, a film quietly arrived on Amazon Prime Video. Titled Songs of Paradise, it told the story of a Kashmiri woman who longed to sing in a society where women were often silenced. Within days, the film went viral. Viewers across India and beyond were moved by the character Noor, played with emotional intensity by Saba Azad and Soni Razdan. For many, it was their first introduction to the real inspiration behind the story: Raj Begum, the Nightingale of Kashmir.
It is a bittersweet reality. The woman who once held an entire valley spellbound with her voice, who became the first female playback singer of Kashmir, remained unknown to much of the country until her life was dramatised on screen. Her story deserves to be remembered not just through cinema but through history itself.
This article explores the life of Raj Begum, her rise from modest beginnings in Srinagar, her defiance of patriarchal restrictions, her contribution to Kashmiri music, the global attention reignited by Songs of Paradise, and the timeless songs that secure her place as the Nightingale of Kashmir.
Early Life and Background of Raj Begum
Raj Begum was born in 1927 in Srinagar, in the heart of a Kashmir that was both culturally rich and socially conservative. Music was central to Kashmiri life, yet it was primarily confined to homes, shrines, and male performers. Women were rarely seen or heard on public stages.
From an early age, Raj Begum showed a rare gift for singing. Her family, though not wealthy, encouraged her interest in music. She absorbed the traditional folk songs sung during weddings, festivals, and religious gatherings. What set her apart was not only her ability to memorise tunes quickly but also the deep emotion she infused into every note.
Her break came when she joined Radio Kashmir Srinagar, which was then an important cultural institution. Broadcasting in the 1940s and 50s carried immense weight, and hearing a woman’s voice over the airwaves was both revolutionary and controversial.
Rag Begum: Defying Patriarchy
In the Kashmir of the mid-twentieth century, patriarchal norms were rigid. Women were expected to remain in domestic spaces, and public performance was often frowned upon. Singing, in particular, was associated with courtesans or entertainers, not respectable women from traditional households.
Raj Begum challenged these norms.
- She became the first Kashmiri woman playback singer, recording songs for regional films and dramas.
- She persisted despite criticism, gossip, and social resistance, showing that art could be a dignified and respectable profession for women.
- Her presence in public performance spaces shifted cultural perceptions. Families who once discouraged daughters from singing began to see possibilities beyond silence.
Her career was not just about music but also about opening the doors of cultural participation to women in Kashmir. She became both a singer and a symbol of defiance.
Musical Journey and Achievements
Raj Begum’s career spanned decades. Her voice, often described as soulful and haunting, was steeped in Kashmiri folk traditions. Unlike Bollywood singers whose music catered to commercial cinema, Raj Begum carried the raw emotional power of the valley into her performances.
Key Contributions of Raj Begum
- Preservation of Folk Music
She collected, sang, and popularised Kashmiri folk songs that might otherwise have been lost in time. Her recordings became living archives of Kashmiri culture. - Radio and Stage Performances
Her songs on Radio Kashmir reached thousands of homes, connecting people to their heritage during a time of political uncertainty and social change. - Playback Singing
She gave her voice to early Kashmiri films, ensuring that regional cinema carried an authentic sound. - Recognition
- Awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honours.
- Received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, recognising her role in preserving and enriching folk traditions.
The Global Spotlight: Songs of Paradise
In 2025, the film Songs of Paradise reignited interest in Raj Begum’s legacy.
Songs of Paradise Film Overview
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video, released 29 August 2025.
- Director: Danish Renzu.
- Cast: Saba Azad as the younger Noor Begum, Soni Razdan as the elder Noor, alongside Lillete Dubey, Sheeba Chaddha, Zain Khan Durrani, and Taaruk Raina.
- Storyline: Noor, inspired by Raj Begum, dreams of singing but faces resistance from a patriarchal Kashmiri society. The film traces her struggles, triumphs, and the cultural backdrop that shaped her.
Reception
The film quickly gained traction:
- Praised for authenticity: The music, costumes, and landscapes recreated the Kashmir of Raj Begum’s era.
- Celebrated performances: Critics applauded Azad and Razdan for embodying the emotional intensity of a woman defying norms.
- Mixed critiques: Some reviewers noted that the film romanticised her journey, softening the depth of her struggles.
Yet, the film succeeded in one critical aspect. It reintroduced Raj Begum to a world that had nearly forgotten her, placing her name alongside icons of Indian music.
Top 11 Songs of Raj Begum
- Walo Wawo Wony Soz, Dama Roz Katha Boz
This haunting folk number is one of the most recognised songs in Kashmiri musical heritage. - Kya Kya Wony A Dost, Kam Kam Sitam
A soulful classic, initially written by poet Ghulam Nabi Gowhar, this song was immortalised by Raj Begum’s voice. - Dil Tsooran Hai, Dil Nivum Shaman
Revered for its spiritual undertone, the song blends devotion with Sufi-inspired lyricism. - Husnas Che Folwun Roozny Gulzar Yithy Kani
A sentimental ballad reflecting Kashmiri poetic traditions, widely performed by Raj Begum. - Rum Ghayam Sheeshas Begur Gov Ban Myun
An evergreen track, often cited by Kashmiri music experts as one of her most excellent renditions. - Wesye Gulan Aavay Bahar (Vyasiye Gulan Aavuy Bahar)
This classic blends sorrow and melody, echoing the valley’s deep emotional roots. - Mashraev Thas (Janane Tse Kar Yaad)
Another staple of radio broadcasts, performed in her eloquent and powerful style. - Tse Patte Rawwrawem Jawani Ha Lalo
A reflective and melodious number, popular among older generations and radio listeners. - Che Kamew Soni Meani Brem Dith
Lesser known outside Kashmir, this song is well documented in archival collections and by music historians. - Rinde Aashak Zindegai Maer MaerYay
A poignant poem brought to life by Raj Begum’s striking voice. - Subh Phul Bulbulav Tul Shore-Googa
Considered by some aficionados as her most excellent song, according to music historian Maharaj Kaul.
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