Songs of Paradise holds star-studded premiere in Mumbai

Srinagar, Aug 29: The much-anticipated musical drama Songs of Paradise had its grand premiere in Mumbai on Wednesday evening, drawing some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Directed by Kashmiri filmmaker Danish Renzu, the film will be released globally on Amazon Prime Video on August 29, 2025.According to a statement issued here, the premiere was attended by leading actors and filmmakers including Alia Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Ali Fazal, Zoya Akhtar, Nitanshi Goel, Mahira Sharma, Mihir Ahuja, Soni Razdan, Lillete Dubey, Imaad Shah, and Vivaan Shah, along with other members of the film’s cast and crew.The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the film fraternity, underlining the industry’s expectations from the project.Alia Bhatt, who was among the special guests, praised the film after the screening, highlighting both its storytelling and performances.“Songs of Paradise is an important film that beautifully captures the power of dreams and the resilience of artists. The performances and music stay with you long after the film ends,” she said, giving a shout-out to the team.Produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Shafat Qazi, and Renzu, the film explores the life of a Kashmiri woman aspiring to become a singer, inspired by the legacy of Raj Begum, the celebrated “Melody Queen of Kashmir.”The lead role is played by Saba Azad, supported by seasoned actors such as Soni Razdan and Zain Khan Durrani. The ensemble cast also includes Taaruk Raina, Sheeba Chaddha, Shishir Sharma, Lalit Parimoo, and Lillete Dubey, making the film a multi-generational collaboration.The screenplay has been co-written by Renzu and Sunayana Kachroo, with dialogues penned by Niranjan Iyengar. The makers describe the film as a tribute to the unsung voices of Kashmir, combining music, cultural heritage, and personal struggles into a narrative that resonates universally.Shot extensively in Kashmir, Songs of Paradise aims to present not only the journey of its protagonist but also the broader struggles faced by Kashmiri artists.The film portrays the perseverance required to pursue art in difficult circumstances, while also celebrating the Valley’s rich musical traditions. Its cinematography and musical score have been highlighted as integral elements, creating an authentic and immersive experience for viewers.The atmosphere at the premiere was one of pride and anticipation. Veteran actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah interacted warmly with younger members of the cast, while filmmakers Zoya Akhtar and Mahesh Bhatt were seen engaging with the crew. The evening reflected both the collaborative spirit behind the film and the industry’s growing support for stories rooted in regional and cultural identities.