THE CLIFF NEWS

Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic Mumbai bungalow, Mannat, has long been a tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of fans daily to Bandra Bandstand. The palatial home has been the Khan family’s residence for over 25 years, but later this year, they will temporarily relocate as the bungalow undergoes a grand renovation. Renovation Work to Begin in May According to sources, renovation work at Mannat is set to commence in May 2025. The plan includes a long-proposed structural extension, for which Shah Rukh had to obtain court permission, as Mannat is a Grade III heritage structure. Any modifications to such structures require official clearance, which has now been secured. Since the renovation is expected to take over two years, the Khan family will shift to a new residence in Bandra. SRK’s New Address: A Luxury Apartment in Pali Hill During the renovation period, Shah Rukh, Gauri, and their children – Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam – will relocate to a luxury apartment building in Pali Hill, Bandra. As per reports, the family has leased four floors in Puja Casa, a property owned by film producer Vashu Bhagnani’s family. The lease agreement was signed between SRK’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Bhagnani’s children, Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshika Deshmukh. Spacious Accommodation with High Security The leased four floors will not only house the Khan family but also their security team, personal staff, and office space. The actor will reportedly pay ₹24 lakh per month for the duplex apartments, which are spread across the first, second, seventh, and eighth floors. While it is uncertain if the family will remain there for the entire lease period of three years, sources suggest that Mannat’s renovation may take up to two years. To ensure privacy and security, Shah Rukh and his team are working on tight security measures at the new apartment complex. Although Puja Casa is not as grand as Mannat, it offers the necessary comfort and space for the family during this transitional phase. Fans will now have to wait to see the revamped Mannat, which is expected to return even grander than before.

The controversy surrounding Chhaava, the upcoming film based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, has intensified as debates over its portrayal of history, politics, and identity gain momentum. While the film celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of Sambhaji, who refused to bow to Aurangzeb, it has also been drawn into political discourse, with right-wing factions using it to push divisive narratives. In Maharashtra, however, the debate goes beyond religion, touching upon caste dynamics, historical interpretations, and the evolving identity of the state. Sambhaji’s legacy has long been a subject of conflicting historical accounts. The film is adapted from Shivaji Sawant’s 1979 Marathi novel “Chhaava”, which presented a more sympathetic and heroic portrayal of the Maratha ruler, contrasting with earlier depictions influenced by Malhar Ram Rao Chitnis’ Bakhar. Written in the early 19th century, Chitnis’ account—commissioned under Shahu II—described Sambhaji as an incompetent and indulgent ruler, a version that many historians, including Jadunath Sarkar, later disputed. This shifting historical narrative has shaped Marathi literature, theater, and popular perception of Sambhaji over the decades. While Chhaava aims to restore his image as a valiant warrior and strategist, its reception highlights the ongoing struggle over how history is interpreted and presented in contemporary India. As the release date approaches, the film is set to remain at the center of public discourse, reflecting the deep-seated emotions and ideologies tied to Maharashtra’s past.

Popular actress Shruti Haasan is set to make her international debut with the British psychological thriller The Eye. The film’s trailer, released on Wednesday, has sparked excitement among fans and film enthusiasts. In The Eye, Shruti plays the lead role of Diana, a woman grappling with a tragic loss. The story follows Diana as she witnesses the drowning of her husband, Felix, during a beach vacation. However, the tragedy takes a sinister turn when she encounters the Evil Eye ritual, a mysterious phenomenon that claims to bring the dead back to life. The film, shot in Corfu and Athens, offers breathtaking visuals while diving deep into psychological horror. The Eye has already gained recognition, having been screened at prestigious festivals like the Greek International Film Festival and the London Independent Film Festival. On the Indian front, Shruti Haasan has a packed slate, with major upcoming films including Rajinikanth’s Coolie, Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, and Prabhas’ Salaar Part 2: Shouryanga Parvam.

In a significant move, Delhi BJP MLA Neelam Pahalwan on Thursday proposed renaming Najafgarh to Nahargarh, citing historical references and urging the Delhi Assembly to take action on the matter. Speaking in the Assembly, she emphasized the need to restore the “true identity” of the area, referencing Raja Nahar Singh’s role in the 1857 revolt, during which he fought and brought Najafgarh under Delhi’s territory. Pahalwan, who won the Delhi Assembly Elections by defeating AAP’s Tarun Kumar by a margin of over 29,000 votes, called upon Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Speaker Vijender Gupta to support the proposal. She also mentioned that previous efforts, including those by former MP Parvesh Verma, had attempted to implement the name change but had not been successful. Following Pahalwan’s proposal, BJP MLA Anil Sharma from RK Puram also put forth a demand to rename Mohammadpur, a sublocality in his constituency, to Madhavpuram. He stated that he would formally present the proposal in the Assembly. Similarly, Mohan Singh Bisht, the MLA from Mustafabad, reiterated his commitment to renaming his constituency to either Shiv Puri or Shiv Vihar. He argued that the name Mustafabad did not resonate with the majority of the area’s population and that many residents were uncomfortable with it. He firmly stated his intent to push for the name change. These proposals have ignited discussions in the political sphere, with reactions expected from opposition parties and local stakeholders.

Prayagraj – The grand Mahakumbh 2025, which witnessed a staggering congregation of over 66 crore devotees over 45 days, concluded on Wednesday with the auspicious ‘Mahashivratri Snan’ at Triveni Sangam. The world’s largest religious gathering not only brought together millions in spiritual devotion but also set three Guinness World Records, showcasing its unparalleled scale and impact. A Historic Gathering Like Never Before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the Mahakumbh as “unprecedented in world history and truly unforgettable.” He credited the event’s success to the blessings of seers, sadhus, ‘akharas’, and religious leaders, emphasizing that it spread a message of unity to the entire world. The Mahakumbh featured six special bathing dates, drawing millions of pilgrims for spiritual purification: Among these, three were ‘Amrit Snans’, the holiest dips believed to grant spiritual liberation. Seven Astonishing Records and Achievements A Grand Spectacle of Faith and Unity The Maha Kumbh 2025 stood as a testament to faith, culture, and human spirit, bringing together people from all walks of life in an unparalleled display of devotion. As the sacred event came to a close, it left behind an indelible mark on history, setting new benchmarks for religious and cultural gatherings worldwide.

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their home on Wednesday, along with their dog. Hackman was 95, and Arakawa was 63. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed their deaths on Thursday, stating that there were no immediate signs of foul play. The exact cause and time of death have not yet been disclosed, and an investigation is ongoing. A Legendary Acting Career Gene Hackman was widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, with a career spanning over six decades. He won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as Detective Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971). His second Oscar came in 1992 for Best Supporting Actor for his role as “Little” Bill Daggett in Unforgiven. Hackman’s range of roles included the iconic villain Lex Luthor in Superman (1978), a paranoid surveillance expert in The Conversation (1974), and a determined coach in Hoosiers (1986). He also earned critical acclaim for his performances in Mississippi Burning (1988) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), the latter earning him a Golden Globe. Early Life and Rise to Stardom Born Eugene Allen Hackman on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, Hackman joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 16. After serving, he pursued journalism and radio before eventually turning to acting. His breakthrough came with Bonnie and Clyde (1967), in which he played Buck Barrow, earning his first Academy Award nomination. From there, he became a household name, delivering some of cinema’s most memorable performances. A Life Beyond Hollywood In 1991, Hackman married Betsy Arakawa, and the couple later relocated from Los Angeles to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they lived until their passing. Hackman retired from acting in 2004 after his final role in Welcome to Mooseport and shifted his focus to writing historical fiction novels. Ongoing Investigation Sheriff Mendoza assured the public that there is no threat to the community. However, authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Hackman is survived by his three children from his first marriage to Faye Maltese: Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne.

Pan-India superstar Prabhas is set to collaborate with Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for the upcoming cop-action drama Spirit. Reports suggest that Vanga has made a special request before filming begins—asking Prabhas to dedicate bulk dates to the project and build a strong physique to match the demanding role. While details about Prabhas’ character remain under wraps, Spirit promises to be a unique and intense addition to his filmography. Prabhas’ Jam-Packed Schedule Before Spirit Before diving into Spirit, Prabhas will wrap up two major projects: 🔹 The Raja Saab – A horror-comedy directed by Maruthi, where Prabhas plays a dual role as a young man and his ghostly ancestor. The film is set to release on April 10, 2025. 🔹 Fauji (tentative title) – A patriotic drama directed by Hanu Raghavapudi (Sita Ramam fame). Despite a brief production delay due to injury, Prabhas is back on track. A Power-Packed Lineup for the Future Prabhas is also preparing for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, continuing the sci-fi epic. Additionally, he has signed a three-film deal with Hombale Films, which includes: 🔸 Salaar Part 2🔸 Two more large-scale projects slated between 2026 and 2028 With such a diverse and high-profile slate, Prabhas is poised to dominate Indian cinema across multiple genres in the coming years!

After Game Changer set a high benchmark with its ₹400 crore budget, another Telugu film is aiming for an extraordinary scale. Prashanth Neel’s next directorial, tentatively titled #NTRNeel, has officially begun filming at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad. The film, starring Jr NTR, is being mounted on a grand scale with a reported budget of ₹360 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films currently in production. A Grand Beginning with 3000 Extras The first schedule kicked off with an intense action sequence featuring around 3000 extras, orchestrated by Prashanth Neel to depict a large-scale riot. A behind-the-scenes image has already generated excitement, showcasing the film’s sheer scale and high production value. Jr NTR is expected to join the shoot in March 2025. How #NTRNeel Outshines Bollywood Blockbusters With a budget of ₹360 crore, #NTRNeel surpasses several Bollywood biggies, including: Interestingly, Jr NTR is set to make his Bollywood debut with War 2, yet his Telugu venture #NTRNeel already boasts a bigger budget than most Hindi films in production. Cast and Release Date While details remain under wraps, Rukmini Vasanth and Tovino Thomas are rumored to play key roles alongside Jr NTR. The film is backed by Mythri Movie Makers and NTR Arts, with a grand theatrical release slated for January 9, 2026.

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian music on the global stage, artists Subhi and Natania have joined forces with Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled and hip-hop icon Cardi B for Higher Love, the lead single from Paramount Animation’s highly anticipated Smurfs film. This marks the first-ever Punjabi Indian song featured in a major Hollywood animated movie, setting a new benchmark for South Asian representation. Desi Trill Brings Punjabi Beats to Hollywood with Higher Love A vibrant reimagining of Belinda Carlisle’s Heaven Is a Place on Earth, Higher Love blends DESI TRILL’s signature style with Natania’s English vocals and Subhi’s electrifying Punjabi hook. The track fuses hip-hop with authentic South Asian influences, aligning perfectly with the debut of the film’s trailer, which has already created immense buzz—especially with Rihanna voicing Smurfette. Artists Share Their Excitement DJ Khaled expressed, “This is an iconic collaboration! I grew up watching The Smurfs, and now my kids do too. Being part of the soundtrack alongside Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi is special. It’s a moment of inspiration, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.” Natania added, “Higher Love is about self-belief, confidence, and sharing joy with the world. I’m honored to represent my roots in such an exciting project alongside incredible artists.” Subhi shared, “Bringing my Punjabi heritage to a global stage with Higher Love is a dream come true! Music is a universal language, and this track is a true celebration of culture and energy.” About Smurfs A Paramount Pictures and Paramount Animation production, Smurfs is an epic musical-fantasy reboot. The story follows Smurfette (Rihanna) as she embarks on a thrilling journey into the human world to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel.

The India’s Got Latent controversy continues to unfold as YouTuber-podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, known as BeerBiceps, confessed his mistake before the Maharashtra Cyber Cell during questioning on Monday. According to sources, Ranveer acknowledged his error in front of the investigating officer and explained that he appeared on Samay Raina’s show out of friendship, not for monetary gain. “We are YouTubers, and that’s why we keep coming to each other’s shows due to our friendship,” he reportedly told the police. The Controversial Statement The controversy erupted after Ranveer made an offensive remark during an episode of India’s Got Latent, asking a contestant:“Would you rather watch your parents have sex every day for the rest of your life or join in once and stop it forever?” The comment was widely condemned as vulgar and inappropriate, leading to multiple legal complaints and a strong backlash on social media. Supreme Court Calls Remark “Vulgar” Last week, the Supreme Court granted interim protection from arrest to Ranveer but criticized his remarks, stating that he had a “dirty mind” that shamed society. The court directed him to cooperate with the investigation and submit his passport to the Thane police to prevent him from leaving the country without permission. Massive Investigation Underway The Maharashtra Cyber Cell is conducting a widespread investigation, summoning over 50 individuals associated with the show, including: Host Samay Raina, who has since removed all episodes of India’s Got Latent from YouTube, has also been ordered to appear before the cyber cell at the earliest. Apology from Ranveer Following the backlash, Ranveer posted a video apology, admitting:“My comment was not just inappropriate; it was not even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I’m sorry.” As the case unfolds, further legal proceedings and police questioning are expected in the coming days.