August 2, 2025

THE CLIFF NEWS

National Daily Bilingual Newspaper

Category: Exclusive

Kamal Haasan Stands Firm Amidst Backlash Over “Tamil Is Mother of Kannada” Remark

Unshaken by protests from Kannada organisations, Tamil actor and politician Kamal Haasan on Friday refused to apologise for his recent remarks stating that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, a comment that has stirred controversy in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters outside the DMK headquarters (Anna Arivalayam) after meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, Kamal Haasan reaffirmed his stance, saying: “This is a democratic country. I believe in law and justice. I believe love will always triumph… If I am wrong, I will apologise. If I am not, then I won’t.” The Controversy: Kamal’s Response: Political Context: Tamil Nadu’s Reaction: Background: Linguistic debates between Tamil and Kannada speakers have often flared up, rooted in deep historical, cultural, and political contexts. While many linguists acknowledge Tamil as one of the oldest living languages, the evolution of Dravidian languages is still an area of scholarly debate, with varied interpretations. Despite the tensions, Kamal Haasan has refused to walk back his words, positioning himself as a voice of Dravidian pride, banking on both his cinematic and political identity. What’s Next: The focus will now shift to whether the Karnataka film industry or authorities take action against the release of Thug Life, and how Kamal Haasan navigates the dual role of actor and parliamentarian amidst a growing pan-south Indian identity debate.

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Editor04 mins

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Is Coming – Smriti Irani & Amar Upadhyay Return as Tulsi & Mihir!

One of Indian television’s most iconic shows is making a dramatic comeback — Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the daily soap that redefined Indian family drama, is all set to return with a brand-new season after 16 years. And yes, the beloved Tulsi and Mihir — Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay — are reportedly reprising their legendary roles. 🔥 What We Know So Far: 👑 Ektaa Kapoor’s Vision Ektaa Kapoor confirmed last month that the revival aims to complete the 2,000-episode mark — the original show, which aired from 2000 to 2008, ended at 1,849 episodes. Kapoor explained: “The love we have for this program brought everyone related to it back together to complete just those 150 episodes to reach that 2000 episode. This show deserves that.” 🛡️ Security on Set: What’s Happening? According to India Forums, Smriti Irani — now a Union Minister and high-profile public figure — is filming under Z+ security. Security protocols are said to be extremely tight, with: 📽️ About the Original Show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi aired from July 2000 to November 2008 on Star Plus and became a cultural phenomenon. It followed the life of Tulsi Virani, the righteous daughter-in-law of the powerful Virani family, and her journey through love, betrayal, family politics, and sacrifice. The show featured: 📌 In A Nutshell: 🕰️ Get ready for nostalgia, drama, and the ultimate Indian soap opera comeback in 2025!

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Editor04 mins

Paresh Rawal’s Exit from Hera Pheri Sparks Lawsuit, Viral AI Image of Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte Fuels Fan Debate

Paresh Rawal’s sudden announcement last week about his exit from the Hera Pheri franchise left fans disappointed and stirred up controversy. In the aftermath, Akshay Kumar’s production house, which holds the rights to Hera Pheri 3, reportedly filed a lawsuit against the veteran actor, escalating the dispute further. Amid this turmoil, an AI-generated image of Pankaj Tripathi reimagined as Paresh Rawal’s iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte has gone viral on social media, sparking a wide range of reactions from fans and netizens. The image shows Pankaj Tripathi donning the signature look of Baburao — white dhoti and vest, gold chain and bracelet, thick glasses, and the unmistakable hairstyle. On Reddit and other platforms, fans debated the idea of Tripathi stepping into the beloved role. Some praised his acting skills but felt he should not be a direct replacement. One fan commented, “Pankaj Tripathi could bring something valuable to the role, but he wouldn’t be a replacement, he’d be a reinvention. He’d make a good ‘Babu Bhaiya’ type character in a spin-off or reboot, but stepping into Paresh Rawal’s shoes directly would feel off. Audiences would constantly compare them, and the charm of the original might get lost. So respectfully, no.” Others drew parallels to Robert Pattinson’s controversial casting as Batman, while some suggested that if Tripathi takes on the role without Rawal’s agreement, the filmmakers should rebrand the project entirely with a new flavor. Yet a few expressed confidence that Tripathi could pull off the role successfully. Why Paresh Rawal Walked Out Paresh Rawal’s legal team, Anand & Naik, issued the actor’s first formal response regarding his departure from Hera Pheri 3. Following Rawal’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) announcing his “rightful termination and exit,” his lawyers clarified the reasons behind the decision. They stated that the production team failed to deliver the story, screenplay, and a draft of the long-form agreement essential for Rawal’s involvement. Furthermore, conflicts arose after producer Sajid Nadiadwala — associated with the original films — issued a notice raising concerns about the film’s production. Due to these issues, Rawal chose to exit, returning the money with interest and formally terminating the agreement (Term Sheet). The controversy continues to unfold as fans await clarity on the future of Hera Pheri 3 and whether a new actor like Pankaj Tripathi will officially step into Baburao’s shoes.

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Editor04 mins

SEBI Bars Arshad Warsi, Wife, and 57 Others from Equity Markets in Sadhna Broadcast Stock Manipulation Case

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti Warsi, and 57 other individuals from accessing the Indian equity markets for up to five years in connection with a major stock manipulation scam involving Sadhna Broadcast Ltd (SBL). Sadhna Broadcast, which changed its name to Crystal Business System on May 23, 2025, became the center of a “pump-and-dump” scheme, where promoters artificially inflated the company’s share price through coordinated internal trading. These trades, though often small in volume, had an outsized impact on the stock price due to low liquidity, enabling manipulators to boost the share price with minimal investment. The second phase of the scam involved aggressively promoting the stock to retail investors through misleading videos on several YouTube channels, such as Moneywise, The Advisor, and Profit Yatra. These channels, operated by Manish Mishra, falsely portrayed SBL as a lucrative investment, claiming, among other things, fake deals with the Adani Group and a ₹1100 crore contract with a large American corporation. SEBI confirmed these claims were fabricated to manipulate the stock price. Between March and December 2022, promoter shareholding in SBL fell from 40.95% to 25.58%, while the number of public shareholders surged from 885 to over 72,000, raising public ownership from 59.05% to 74.52%. Arshad Warsi’s involvement came to light when, on July 13, 2022, he bought 1.87 lakh shares of Sadhna Broadcast from Jatin Shah, an associate linked to the manipulation. His wife Maria Goretti also bought 2.65 lakh shares the same day. Despite Warsi’s claim that he acted on a friend’s tip without knowledge of any wrongdoing, SEBI rejected this defense, citing WhatsApp chats indicating his active role in the scheme. SEBI revealed that Arshad Warsi earned a profit of ₹41.70 lakh and Maria Goretti earned ₹50.35 lakh from the manipulation. Both have been barred from trading in the securities market for one year. Additionally, SEBI has ordered 59 entities involved in the scam to disgorge unlawful gains amounting to ₹58.01 crore with 12% annual interest, to be paid jointly and severally from the end of the investigation period until actual payment.

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Editor03 mins

Are Tara Sutaria and Veer Pahariya the New Bollywood Couple?

Bollywood actress Tara Sutaria and actor Veer Pahariya are reportedly exploring a budding romance, with sources saying the pair have been “going out for dates” over the past few months as they “figure things out.” The duo first fueled speculation when they appeared together as showstoppers at the 25th Lakme Fashion Week in late March. Tara dazzled in a V-neck, long black lace gown with minimal accessories, while Veer made his runway debut in a crisp white suit paired with ivory trousers for British brand ASOS’s “A Summer of Style” showcase. Veer Pahariya, known for his role in Skyforce, was previously linked to Sara Ali Khan. In 2019, Sara confirmed in Filmfare that Veer was the only person she’d dated. Veer later told Zoom that early tabloid rumors about his personal life bothered him when he was 20, but he’s since come to terms with the attention. Tara, meanwhile, was in a relationship with Aadar Jain—Ranbir Kapoor’s cousin—until their breakup in 2023. Aadar married family friend Alekha Advani in February 2025. Off-screen, Veer hails from a prominent political family: he is the grandson of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and son of Mumbai businessman Sanjay Pahariya. His brother, Shikhar Pahariya, is also in the spotlight amid dating rumors with actress Janhvi Kapoor. For Tara, this new chapter follows a string of successful film projects and high-profile public appearances. Though neither Tara nor Veer has officially confirmed their relationship, their frequent outings and runway moment have sparked excitement among fans eager to see if this rumored pairing turns into Bollywood’s next big love story.

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Editor03 mins

Veteran Tamil Actor Rajesh Passes Away at 75

Veteran Tamil actor Rajesh, a beloved figure in South Indian cinema, passed away early this morning, May 29, at the age of 75. According to reports, the actor experienced severe breathing difficulties at his residence and was being rushed to Ramachandra Hospital when he tragically breathed his last en route. His untimely demise has sent waves of grief through the Tamil film industry and among his fans. Known for his versatility, calm screen presence, and impactful character roles, Rajesh was an artist who spanned generations in Tamil cinema. 🌟 A Life Dedicated to Cinema Over a prolific career of more than four decades, Rajesh featured in over 150 films, often portraying paternal figures, moral anchors, or dignified supporting roles. Some of his memorable performances include: He acted alongside legends like Kamal Haasan, Vijay, and Ajith Kumar, contributing to both commercial blockbusters and critically acclaimed projects. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Personal Life and Passions Rajesh married Joan Silvia in 1983, and the couple had two children — Divya and Deepak. Sadly, Joan passed away in 2012 due to health issues. Outside of films, Rajesh was deeply spiritual and intellectually curious. In his later years: His journey showcased not just a committed actor, but also a thinker and learner who evolved constantly. 🎬 Tributes and Legacy Colleagues from the Tamil film industry, fans, and fellow artists have been pouring in tributes on social media, remembering him as a gentleman, a powerful performer, and a man of grace and wisdom. Rajesh leaves behind a legacy that spans generations of Tamil cinema. His contributions, both artistic and personal, will be remembered fondly. Rest in peace, Rajesh sir. Your presence lit up the screen — and our hearts.

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Editor03 mins

‘KGF’ Star Yash Teams Up with Hollywood Stunt Maestro for Epic ‘Ramayana’

Yash to Co-Produce and Portray RavanaFollowing the massive success of the KGF franchise, superstar Yash will both co-produce and headline the two-part cinematic adaptation of the Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. In the role of the formidable Ravana, Yash is undergoing rigorous physical training and has already completed some of the heaviest action sequences in the film’s extensive schedule. Hollywood’s Guy Norris on BoardIn a significant move to elevate Indian action cinema, the production has enlisted Guy Norris—the stunt director famed for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Suicide Squad—to choreograph the film’s large-scale battle scenes. Norris, currently working in India, is collaborating closely with Yash to design set pieces that capture the grandeur and epic scope of the ancient tale. Production Timeline and ReleaseRamayana Part 1 is slated to release during Diwali 2026, with Part 2 expected for Diwali 2027. Yash has dedicated 60–70 days to shoot his sequences for the first installment, signaling the production’s scale and ambition. Yash’s Other ProjectsAlongside Ramayana, Yash is busy shooting Toxic, a pan-India period gangster drama directed and co-written by Geetu Mohandas. The multi-language film—being shot in Kannada and English, and dubbed into Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam—features a powerhouse ensemble, including Nayanthara, Kiara Advani, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, Achyuth Kumar, and Akshay Oberoi. In Toxic, Yash brings his trademark intensity to a rugged, complex character set against a richly textured period backdrop.

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Editor02 mins

Netflix Renews Fan-Favorite Indian Web Series for New Seasons in 2025

Netflix is turning up the excitement with the return of several beloved Indian web series as part of its 2025 content slate. Popular shows like Mismatched, Black Warrant, Maamla Legal Hai, and The Royals have been officially renewed for new seasons, much to the delight of their loyal fanbases. These series, which have struck a chord with audiences across genres, promise even more drama, thrills, and heartfelt moments. Mismatched Season 4 – The Final Chapter The hit romantic comedy Mismatched returns for its fourth and final season. The series, centered around the evolving relationship between Dimple (Prajakta Koli) and Rishi (Rohit Saraf), has been a fan favorite for its relatable coming-of-age storytelling and catchy soundtrack, including tracks like “Aise Kyun” and “Ishq Hai.” Season 3 explored new challenges in their personal and professional lives, and now the final season is set to bring back the beloved group for a touching and emotional farewell. Black Warrant Season 2 – Inside the Prison Walls Based on the real-life book Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer by Sunil Gupta and Sunetra Choudhury, the gritty prison thriller Black Warrant is returning for a second season. The show offers an unflinching look at the Indian prison system through compelling characters portrayed by Zahan Kapoor, Rahul Bhat, and Paramvir Cheema. Season 2 promises to deepen the tension and dive further into the lives of inmates and authorities. The Royals Season 2 – More Glamour, More Intrigue Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter are set to return in Season 2 of The Royals, a romantic dramedy that made waves by entering Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English TV Shows across 58 countries. The show, known for its stylish flair and engaging plot twists, will continue its saga of love, power, and high-society drama in the upcoming season. Maamla Legal Hai Season 2 – Laughter Returns to the Courtroom The lighthearted courtroom comedy Maamla Legal Hai has begun filming its second season. Featuring Ravi Kishan, Naila Grewal, Nidhi Bisht, and Anant Joshi, the series captures the quirky chaos of Patparganj District Court with a blend of humor and heart. Season 2 will also see new additions to the cast, including Bhojpuri star Nirahua (Dinesh Lal Yadav) and popular content creator Kusha Kapila. More to Come from Netflix in 2025 These renewals are part of Netflix India’s power-packed 2025 lineup, which also includes upcoming seasons of Kohrra, Delhi Crime, Rana Naidu, and The Great Indian Kapil Show. With a mix of romance, suspense, humor, and social commentary, Netflix continues to build a strong slate that caters to diverse Indian audiences.

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Editor04 mins

Emraan Hashmi Contracts Dengue, Temporarily Halts Shoot of Telugu Debut ‘OG’

Actor Emraan Hashmi has taken a temporary break from the shooting of his highly anticipated film OG after being diagnosed with dengue. The actor, who is currently making his Telugu debut with this pan-India gangster drama starring Pawan Kalyan, began experiencing symptoms while filming in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai. A source from the production confirmed that Emraan is currently recuperating and has been advised rest. “He was not feeling well and had dengue-like symptoms. On the doctors’ recommendation, he underwent tests, which confirmed he had dengue,” a report in Bollywood Hungama stated. The ongoing schedule of OG was expected to include high-stakes face-off sequences between Emraan Hashmi and lead star Pawan Kalyan. However, due to Emraan’s health condition, the scenes have been put on hold temporarily. The team has reportedly asked the actor to prioritize his recovery before resuming shoot. OG, directed by Sujeeth and produced by DVV Danayya, also stars Priyanka Arul Mohan as the female lead. The film has been generating massive buzz, especially after the recent announcement of its worldwide release date — September 25, 2025. The film recently resumed production after a long break, and Pawan Kalyan is currently in Mumbai, continuing his portions of the shoot. While fans eagerly await Emraan’s return, the production is likely to adjust the schedule accordingly until he is fit to resume filming. This film not only marks a pivotal role for Emraan Hashmi but also serves as his entry into Telugu cinema, making it a landmark project in his career.

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Editor03 mins

Hrithik Roshan Joins Hands with Hombale Films for a Pan-India Spectacle

Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan is set to collaborate with renowned production house Hombale Films for a high-octane Pan-India film. Known for delivering cinematic blockbusters such as the KGF franchise, Salaar, and Kantara, Hombale Films officially announced the collaboration on May 28 through its X (formerly Twitter) handle. The production house shared a dramatic teaser message: “They call him the Greek God. He’s ruled hearts, shattered limits and we see the phenomenon he truly is! We are proud to welcome @iHrithik to the @hombalefilms family for a collaboration, years in the making. A tale of grit, grandeur and glory is set to unfold, where intensity meets imagination, the Big Bang begins.” Expressing his excitement, Hrithik said he is looking forward to creating a memorable cinematic experience with Hombale. He stated, “Hombale has been home to some very unique stories over the years. I’m looking forward to partnering with them and delivering a cinematic experience for our audience. We are dreaming big and committed to bringing the vision to life.” Vijay Kiragandur, the founder of Hombale Films, also shared his enthusiasm about the partnership. “At Hombale Films, our purpose is to tell stories that inspire and transcend boundaries. Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is a step forward in realizing that vision. We are crafting a film where intensity meets imagination on a grand scale. We are committed to delivering an experience that is both powerful and timeless,” he said. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Hrithik Roshan’s career, pairing his star power with Hombale’s grand storytelling. While the details of the film remain under wraps, the announcement alone has created massive buzz across the industry. Meanwhile, Hrithik is gearing up for the release of War 2, co-starring Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, scheduled to hit theatres on August 14, 2025. With this new project under Hombale Films, fans can expect yet another epic cinematic journey from the actor.

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Editor03 mins
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