Kashmir’s Duha Shah Crafts Melancholic ‘Be Fine’ for Renzu Music

On their first release of the year, Kashmiri label Renzu Music teams up with singer-songwriter Duha Shah and producer Hyder Dhar for the English song “Be Fine.”

While the label has championed Kashmiri voices in their native language and Hindi and Urdu since launching in 2023, “Be Fine” – seemingly influenced by the likes of American pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift – marks their first English release. Founded by filmmaker Danish Renzu, the melancholic song also comes with a music video shot in Srinagar, featuring actors Summer Jacobs and Kunal Bhan in a love story that’s grown distant and complicated.

Described as “a soul-stirring song” that “calls for empowerment and taking action,” the song follows Renzu Music’s previous offerings including Gaurav Sarda and Archana Kamath Hegdekar’s “Madhosh Sa,” Rashmeet Kaur’s “Dil Khanjar,” Noor Mohammad’s “Madano” and their debut offering “Hoshdar,” also featuring Mohammad, Dar and Huzaif Nazar.  

Renzu Music becomes a source of Kashmiri music across styles with “Be Fine,” even as they take a different approach compared to traditional labels – partnering with the record labels Artiste First and Zee Music, as well as BGBNG aka Big Bang Music to give artists from the region a larger reach.

Upcoming releases from the label include a song called “Tamana” via Sony Music, featuring composer Abhay Sopori and actor Angira Dhar, plus “Chingari” featuring singer-composer and lyricist IP Singh (from rockers Faridkot), nu-disco/funk duo Madboy/Mink’s Saba Azad and lyricist Sunayana Kachroo.

The bigger project for the filmmaker in Renzu in 2024, however, is the musical drama film Songs of Paradise, starring Saba Azad in a role inspired by singer Raj Begum and is produced by Excel Entertainment’s Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.

Renzu spoke about the film in a recent chat with Variety and said, “It was a dream come true to be able to make ‘Songs of Paradise.’ It showcases Kashmir’s forgotten rich poetry and music never seen before on celluloid. The film is inspired by the music of legendary singer Raj Begum who left no stone unturned to continue pursuing her dreams to sing at a time when women had limited rights. With lack of opportunities, technology, equipment and proper studio, it’s heartwarming to see a woman who wanted to bring about change and contribute significantly to the music of Kashmir.”

Watch the video for “Be Fine” below.