Veteran actress Soni Razdan makes a graceful return to the silver screen with Songs of Paradise, a film that pays tribute to Kashmir’s legendary first recorded female singer, Raj Begum. In a candid conversation, she talks about what drew her to the project, the responsibility of portraying an icon, and her long-standing connection with Kashmir.
It is good to see you back on screen in Songs Of Paradise. How did the director Danish Renzu convince you?
Thank you. Danish discussed this film with me, I think before he even wrote the script. Like most people who don’t live in Kashmir, I had not heard of Raj Begum, the singer. I said I have to do this role even before I read a script. It just sounded very fascinating.
Did the film live up to your expectations?
It has been an honour for me to be a part of this film and to hopefully bring Kashmiri music out of the closet and into the world.
Was it a responsibility portraying Kashmir’s first recorded female singer?
Yes, I felt a huge sense of responsibility. As I had never met Raj Begum, I had to imagine her character, but at the same time, make sure that I somehow remain true to the iconic figure that she was. Well, I hope I’ve done some small justice to her character.
This is not the first time you play a Kashmiri woman?
I have never lived in Kashmir, and I have no family there, but somehow I have always felt a strong connection to Kashmir and the problems people face there. Strangely, it is work that has taken me back there time and again since I did Raazi in 2017. Danish Renzu has been hugely instrumental in that. We’ve done some beautiful music videos together, shot in Kashmir, about Kashmir.
How will Paradise Lost be Paradise Regained in Kashmir?
There is only one way the lost paradise can be regained, and that is that some agreement needs to be reached so that terrorism comes to an end. Things had improved so much, but it’s a constant battle to keep the peace and to keep things humming along in the valley. I am not a politician or an expert on the subject, so I can’t really comment further, but when I visited recently and spoke to people, they were all heartbroken about that terrible incident. Tourism has come to a grinding halt. It is extremely sad.
Why are you not seen more often on screen?
Honestly, it’s not like I am rejecting roles left, right and centre. If you want to see me more often, then I guess people will have to offer me more work!
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