Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tamil filmmaker claims Raja Raja Cholan wasn't Hindu, Kamal Haasan backs him, says there was no Hindu religion in Chola times

National award-winning Tamil director Vetrimaaran has sparked controversy by claiming that Raja Raja Cholan wasn’t a Hindu king.

Tamil filmmaker claims Raja Raja Cholan wasn't Hindu, Kamal Haasan backs him, says there was no Hindu religion in Chola times

National award-winning Tamil director Vetrimaaran has sparked controversy by claiming that Raja Raja Cholan wasn't a Hindu king. Now, Kamal Haasan has backed the director's statement which has opened floodgates for controversial debates regarding the king's identity.

It all started at an event Vetrimaaran attended where he raised a few eyebrows when he said, "Raja Raja Chozlan wasn't Hindu but they (BJP) are trying to steal our identity. They have already tried to saffronize Thiruvalluvar. We should never allow that. " Then, Kamal Hassan echoed similar sentiments and said, "There was no name called 'Hindu religion' during Raja Raja Cholan's period. There was Vainavam, Shivam, and Samanam, and it was the British who coined the term Hindu since they didn't know how to refer to it collectively. It is similar to how they changed Thuthukudi into Tuticorin."


Well, interestingly, Vetimaaran's remarks came just a day after the release of the film 'Ponniyin Selvan: 1' which is based on a fictional novel inspired by Raja Raja Cholan.

Although Vetimaaran did find support from Haasan, BJP came all guns blazing at the director. BJP leader H Raja has stated that Raja Raja Chola was indeed a Hindu king. He questioned Vetimaran - "I am not well versed with history like Vetrimaran, but let him point out two churches and mosques built by Raja Raja Cholan. He called himself Sivapadha Sekaran. Wasn't he a Hindu then?"

Well, this is not the first time that a statement on Raja Raja Cholan has made headlines in Tamil Nadu.

In 2019, film director P A Ranjith sparked controversy after he criticized the king. He said at that time that the rule of the erstwhile king was a dark age for Dalits.

He claimed, "Land had been forcibly taken away from them and many forms of caste oppression had begun during Raja Raja Cholan's reign".

(ANI)

More For You

Ranveer Allahbadia says he lost reputation but gained perspective after ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy

He admitted he is still recovering emotionally

Instagram/ ranveerallahbadia

Ranveer Allahbadia says he lost reputation but gained perspective after ‘India’s Got Latent’ controversy

Popular YouTuber and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia has spoken publicly about the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent. During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on social media, Allahbadia addressed the impact the incident had on his personal and professional life, as well as how he is moving forward.

Responding to a fan’s question about what he had lost as a result of the controversy, Allahbadia listed a range of issues. “Health, money, opportunity, repute, mental health, peace, parents’ contentment and much more,” he wrote. Despite these challenges, he also described the period as one of growth and introspection, saying the experience led to “transformation, spiritual growth” and increased mental resilience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Patralekhaa on bringing Savitribai Phule to life in a powerful new biopic

Patralekhaa

Patralekhaa on bringing Savitribai Phule to life in a powerful new biopic

FROM her striking debut in CityLights to diverse and unconventional roles, Patralekhaa has carved a unique path as an actress across film and TV.

Unafraid of challenges, she has continually pushed herself as a performer with characters that demand depth, nuance and emotional honesty. She is also one half of a cinema power couple with her actor husband Rajkummar Rao, and both have motivated one another to cross creative horizons. The acclaimed actress adds to that diverse body of work with the new Bollywood biopic Phule, due to be released next Friday (25). She steps into the shoes of one of India’s greatest social reformers, Savitribai Phule, an experience she describes as both humbling and transformative. The important chapter of 19th-century history sees her portray India’s first female teacher, who, along with her husband Jyotiba Phule, played a vital role in improving women’s rights across the country.

Keep ReadingShow less
5 movies that nailed fashion like a runway finale

From Holly’s pearls to Gucci’s gold, these films didn’t just serve stories, they served serious style

5 movies that nailed fashion like a runway finale

Some films just hit different. Not for the plot (though we’ll give credit where it’s due), but for the lewks. The kind of wardrobe moments that make you pause mid popcorn, rewind, and mentally scream, “I need that outfit in my life!”

These movies are actually moving fashion archives. Some started trends, others revived them, and a few made us believe we could strut into Tesco like it’s Paris Fashion Week. Ready for a style rewind? Here are the five films that dressed to kill and succeeded!

Keep ReadingShow less
Is Rihanna hinting at a wedding with A$AP Rocky in her new Savage X Fenty bridal campaign?

Rihanna stuns in pink lace and a mini veil from her Savage X Fenty bridal collection

Instagram/badgalriri

Is Rihanna hinting at a wedding with A$AP Rocky in her new Savage X Fenty bridal campaign?

Rihanna has once again got everyone talking. No, it's not about a new song or red-carpet look. It’s wedding bells, or at least something that looks a lot like them. On Tuesday, she dropped a fresh bridal-themed collection from her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty.

In a pink lace set with a mini veil and thigh-highs, Rihanna posed next to a towering wedding cake… then kicked it over. That playful chaos and the whole vibe left fans guessing: is this just marketing, or is she hinting at her own walk down the aisle with longtime partner A$AP Rocky?

Keep ReadingShow less
Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death confirmed as diabetes complications

Michelle Trachtenberg’s legacy lives on through her iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl

Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg cause of death confirmed as diabetes complications

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 39. The cause of death has now been confirmed as complications from diabetes, according to the New York City medical examiner’s office.

Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment, and while the initial cause of death was undetermined, recent toxicology tests have provided clarity. The medical examiner’s office confirmed that no foul play was involved, and since there were no signs of criminal activity, they did not perform an autopsy, respecting her family’s wishes. Her family, who follows Orthodox Jewish traditions, had requested no post-mortem examination.

Keep ReadingShow less