Following the warm reception of the film *Songs Of Paradise*, now streaming on Prime Video, it is safe to say that OTT platforms can be an effective medium for promoting regional music.
Directed by Danish Renzu, the film tells the inspiring story of Noor Begum, a Kashmiri girl who battled all odds — including resistance from her orthodox mother and opposition from a male-dominated society — to become a leading singer in Kashmir. The narrative is inspired by the real-life story of Raj Begum, the first female singer of Radio Kashmir Srinagar.
Saba Azad, portraying the younger Noor Begum, and Soni Razdan, as her older version, deliver exceptional performances. A standout feature of the film is its music, which consists of popular Kashmiri songs re-composed by Abhay Rustum Sopori. The compositions retain their traditional flavour through the use of instruments like the santoor, rabab, and daf.
Most of the songs are sung by the fabulous Masrat Un Nissa, who has rapidly gained fame not only in Kashmir but also in other parts of India and even abroad. While the film’s script is in Urdu-Hindi, the songs themselves are in Kashmiri. These songs, including *Dil Tsooran*, *Rum Gayum Sheeshus*, *Vesiye Gulan*, *Karsa Myon*, *Tse Yewan Roshe*, *Roni Daman*, and *Kya Kya Wanai*, were once mostly known only within Kashmir or by Kashmiri communities elsewhere. However, they have now captured the hearts of music lovers who don’t even understand the language.
Many of these songs have been performed by artists other than Raj Begum and are considered ‘standards’ within the Kashmiri music repertoire. They feature wonderful melodies with subtle influences from Persian and Middle Eastern sounds. As such, the *Songs Of Paradise* soundtrack, released by Universal, serves as an excellent gateway to exploring more music from the region.
For those interested in delving deeper, here are a few recommendations:
– **Saaz Thi Awaaz** (Funkar International, 2001): This compilation includes duets like *Dil Tsooran* and *Rum Gayum Sheeshus* by Raj Begum and Naseem Akhtar, along with some solo tracks and instrumental pieces by Shaukat Ahmed.
– **Best Of Kashmiri Folk Songs** (Saregama India): Features tunes sung by Abdul Rashid Hafiz and Shameem Azad. Although not part of this compilation, Shameem’s melodious live renditions of popular songs like *Madano* and *Vasiye Naray* are available on YouTube.
Works by the legendary poet and ascetic Habba Khatoon (1554–1609) also remain timeless. Her compositions have been recorded by Sarmadiyah Shafi and, more recently, by the young artist Vibha Saraf, who has beautifully rendered three mellifluous songs.
Contemporary Kashmiri singers worth exploring include:
– Aabha Hanjura — notable tracks include *Hukus Bukus*, *Khanmoej Koor*, and her modern rendition of *Madano* (performed at the Paddy Fields Festival 2017).
– Alif — known for songs like *Jhelumus*, *Rounut Deewanae*, and *Zu Ha Wandai*.
There is also a wonderful compilation by Irfan Nabi, Bilal Matta, and Mahmeet Syed to discover.
It is worth mentioning that popular tracks like *Bumbro Bumbro* and *Rind Posh Maal* from the film *Mission Kashmir* were adapted from Kashmiri folk songs by the renowned composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
These are just a few starting points, and music lovers can explore even further into the rich Kashmiri musical heritage.
Beyond the film’s influence, two recent developments highlight the ongoing musical activity in Kashmir:
1. **Fankar-E-Kashmir Event:** The third season of this event will be held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar on October 17. Organized by Showcase Events, The Eagle, and the Rabab Academy, it aims to support and promote Kashmiri folk and Sufiana music, while providing a national platform for young talent. The event features a live talent hunt, judged by senior musicians and experts. Renowned artistes like Abdul Rashid Hafiz, Begum Jaan, Rashid Jahangir, and Samajdu Sofi will be felicitated.
2. **Renzu Music and Warner Music Partnership:** Danish Renzu’s label, Renzu Music, has signed a distribution agreement with Warner Music. This collaboration seeks to take Kashmiri music beyond the region to other states and international audiences. Alongside current favourites like Masrat Un Nissa, Renzu Music represents a vibrant mix of established and emerging artists.
Now that the doors have been opened, one hopes to hear many more “songs of paradise” in the near future — melodies that convey messages of peace and harmony.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/weekend/songs-of-paradise-showcases-kashmiri-music-on-ott-captivating-audiences-beyond-the-valley
About the Author
