SaralnamaRaj Begum, Kashmir's Nightingale, is honored in a new film on Amazon Prime Video. Born in Srinagar in 1927, she broke barriers by singing publicly when women's voices were hidden. Joining Radio Kashmir in 1954, she became the first woman to challenge patriarchal norms. Raj Begum sang folk, classical, ghazal, and romantic songs, giving voice to Kashmiri women. She faced obstacles but remained determined, singing nearly 2000 songs. Her talent earned her the Padma Shri in 2002 and other awards. The film 'Songs of Paradise' by Danish Renzu celebrates her life, with Saba Azad and Soni Razdan portraying her at different ages. Raj Begum passed away in 2016 at 89, leaving a lasting legacy in Kashmiri culture. (Updated 2 Sep 2025, 19:03 IST; source: link)
Key Points
- Raj Begum, Kashmir's Nightingale, is honored in a new film on Amazon Prime Video
- Born in Srinagar in 1927, she broke barriers by singing publicly when women's voices were hidden
- Joining Radio Kashmir in 1954, she became the first woman to challenge patriarchal norms