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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who recently welcomed their first child, Dua Singh Padukone, continue to charm fans with their adorable chemistry. Known as one of Bollywood’s most stunning couples, they often win hearts with their public displays of affection—whether it’s holding hands in public or leaving sweet comments on each other’s posts. Deepika’s latest remark on Ranveer’s Instagram is another addition to their endearing moments. On Sunday, Ranveer shared photos showcasing his striking look from the IFFI closing ceremony. Wearing a sleek black bandhgala paired with matching shoes and dark sunglasses, he looked every bit the style icon. Deepika couldn’t resist chiming in, commenting, “Oh soo edible.” You can see the post and her comment below. In terms of upcoming projects, Ranveer is gearing up for Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, scheduled to hit theatres on December 5. The movie features an impressive ensemble, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal. Reports suggest that the film will be released in two parts. According to Bollywood Hungama, the first installment arrives on December 5, while the second is tentatively slated for a summer 2026 release, with May 29 being eyed as the preferred date—an empty slot that would allow for a solo opening, just like part one. The same report also noted the film’s hefty runtime: Part 1 is expected to run approximately 3 hours and 32 minutes, though the exact duration will be confirmed once the CBFC completes the certification process. Ranveer’s most recent appearance on screen was in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Source NDTV    

The surprise chart-topping success of an AI-generated country song is stirring debate in the music industry after it appeared to borrow heavily from the vocal style of Grammy-nominated artist Blanco Brown — without his knowledge. Earlier this month, “Walk My Walk,” credited to a fictional white digital avatar named Breaking Rust, reached No. 1 on Billboard’s country digital song sales chart. But the track’s vocal tone, phrasing and melodic shape closely resemble Brown, best known for his 2019 crossover hit “The Git Up.” Brown said he learned about the AI song only after friends bombarded him with messages.“Somebody told me, ‘They typed your name into AI and made a white version of you,’” he recalled. The song is listed as being created by Aubierre Rivaldo Taylor, who has also been credited behind the X-rated AI-generated country act Defbeatsai. That project traces back to Abraham Abushmais — a past collaborator of Brown’s — who developed Echo, an AI-powered music generator. Brown said he was never notified and has been unable to contact Abushmais. What unsettled him most, Brown said, was the pairing of an AI-crafted white avatar with a voice modeled on a Black artist’s sound.“It’s a white AI man with a Black voice,” he said. “And he’s singing like a Negro spiritual.” Brown has since recorded his own cover of “Walk My Walk,” released last week, and will publish a reworked version with new lyrics on Monday. His management says the move aims to force conversation around the legal and ethical gaps surrounding AI-generated music. The incident comes as AI transforms music creation, enabling users to produce full songs with simple text prompts through platforms such as Suno and Udio. Major labels have already sued the companies, accusing them of training models on copyrighted material without permission. Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have since reached AI licensing agreements with the platforms, marking early attempts to set industry rules. Experts say the rapid spread of AI-generated tracks has outpaced legal and ethical frameworks.“AI has democratized music creation but without guardrails,” said Josh Antonuccio of Ohio University. “Creators are stuck in a strange purgatory where they aren’t being compensated.” The racial dynamics of the Breaking Rust avatar add another layer of complexity. Brown, who has long navigated country music as a Black crossover artist, noted that an AI song built on his sound reached No. 1 while he still struggles for consistent country radio play. “He created something with my tone and gave it a white face,” Brown said. “In Nashville, that’s nothing new.” Despite the controversy, Brown says he’s not opposed to AI — only to the lack of recognition and rights for human artists whose voices fuel these tools.“I go through this every day with real people who borrow from what I do,” he said. “Robot or human — they’re not giving me credit anyway.” Still, he believes real artistry will endure.“Real artists are always going to prevail,” he said. “Purpose lives where greed can’t.”

With the quintessential blend of scale, emotion, and cultural resonance, the Bollywood industry continues to command attention. The biggest Bollywood film releases in December 2025 deliver one of its most ambitious lineups yet: thrillers, dramas, comedies, romances, biographies, and explosive action. The long-awaited premieres unite newcomers, rising talents, and marquee stars in a single month of cinematic celebration. Let’s watch out for the 10 most-hyped Hindi movies releasing in Bollywood in December 2025 and close the year with flair. 10 Must-see New Bollywood Films Set to Dominate This December . Laptein (Flames) | Thriller Drama | December 2, 2025 Shaded on a fractured family forced into a brutal journey of survival, ‘Flames’, the thriller, focuses on Mahesh, a migrant farmworker branded ‘low caste’ his entire life. Everything collapses when his wife is murdered by the village chief, Pradhan Ji, leaving their young son, Mohit, adrift in rage and grief. Schoolyard taunts push the boy toward a violent altercation, a blood-soaked shirt marking the moment he crosses an invisible line. When the local girl, Pradhan’s own daughter, goes missing, the villagers seize on Mohit as the easy scapegoat. Produced by Cult Digital and Alankritaa, the thriller thrives under the direction and writing of Ravi Shankar Kaushik. Read more: December 2025 South Indian Movie List: Top 12 Releases Creating Buzz Vajid Ali, Garvit Mudgil, and Vikram Kochhar play the pivotal characters. Dhurandhar | Action Thriller | December 5, 2025 Backed by Jyoti Deshpande, Lokesh Dhar, and Aditya Dhar for B62 Studios and Jio Studios, ‘Dhurandhar’ leans on astonishing true events and embraces the underworld’s coarse textures. Against a backdrop of fiery patriotism, the story stitches together high-adrenaline action, whispered espionage manoeuvres, and betrayals worthy of Shakespeare. Aditya Dhar writes, directs, and co-produces the action film. The ensemble includes Ranveer Singh, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and Akshaye Khanna, joined by Rakesh Bedi and Sara Arjun in supporting roles. Mere Raho | Romantic Drama | December 12, 2025 Starring Sai Pallavi in her Hindi movie debut, ‘Mere Raho’ flourishes with Sunil Pandey as its director. This remake of the Thai film One Day (2016) features Junaid Khan as the main co-artist of Pallavi. Aamir Khan and Mansoor Khan from Aamir Khan Productions bring the romantic drama to vibrant life. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in December 2025 An ordinary office romance turns strangely miraculous when Rohan, hopelessly smitten yet paralysed by nerves, longs to confess his feelings to his colleague Nisha. A company trip feels like his final chance, and in a moment of desperation, he wishes for just one day with her, no matter the cost. Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 | Comedy Drama | December 12, 2025 Kapil Sharma returns with ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2’, carrying forward the madness that first exploded in the 2015 original, his debut into cinema. A dizzying romantic circus spins around Karan, a man balancing three relationships at once, only to find himself buried under misunderstandings, close calls, and comedic disasters. Anukalp Goswami directs and pens the dramedy. Joining Sharma are Tridha Choudhury, Hina Warina, Manjot Singh, Ayesha Khan, and Parul Gulati. Abbas-Mustan, Ganesh Jain, and Ratan Jain helm the production, bringing together Star Studio18, Venus Worldwide Entertainment, and Abbas-Mustan Films Production. Read more: Upcoming South Indian Movies in November 2025: Top 12 Releases Super Dhamaal.com | Comedy | December 15, 2025 Bankrolled by NK Teamworks, ‘Super Dhamaal.com’ boasts Mandeep Chaahal as its director and Kishen Dev Sharma and Shekhar Ramesh Mishra as writers. The pivotal cast members are Prakash Sagar, Aditya Rajput, Arya Babbar, Sayali Bhagat, Rajpal Naurang Yadav, Govardhan Asrani, Mansi Dovhal, Darshan Jariwala, Manoj Joshi, Shakti Kapoor, and Om Puri. Inside a small-town police station, Pyare, Mohan, and Raju barricade themselves in to escape furious victims they once conned. Meanwhile, Chaudhary, leader of the angry mob, waits outside like a ticking fuse. The inspector in charge eyes a promotion; the havaldar pockets bribes without blinking. Tense negotiations drag on until a bombshell complaint drops about a missing truck loaded with gold and cash. Read more: New Bollywood Movie List for November 2025: 10 Best Hindi Films

December brings a mix of highly anticipated films and award contenders, from the latest Avatar installment to unique dramas and sports stories. Among the top picks is 100 Nights of Hero, a modern fairy tale about a woman saved from danger by her clever maid, inspired by One Thousand and One Nights. The New Yorker at 100 documents the magazine’s 100-year journey with interviews and narration by Julianne Moore. Kate Winslet’s directorial debut Goodbye June explores family bonds as relatives gather around a dying matriarch during Christmas. Other highlights include The Voice of Hind Rajab, a drama based on the real-life story of a Palestinian girl affected by war, and Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in James Cameron’s blockbuster franchise focusing on the next generation of Na’vi on Pandora. Bradley Cooper’s Is This Thing On? follows a middle-aged man finding himself through stand-up comedy. The Housemaid tells the story of a young maid entering a wealthy family with dark secrets. Fans of action and cult classics can watch the new Anaconda, while Song Sung Blue recounts the true story of a Neil Diamond tribute band. Sports drama Marty Supreme follows a New Yorker’s dedication to table tennis in the 1950s. Historical musical The Testament of Ann Lee explores the life of a European woman who led the Shakers in 18th-century New York. Park Chan-wook’s thriller No Other Choice examines the extremes a man goes to save his family after losing his job. Most films will release between 5 and 26 December across cinemas and streaming platforms, offering audiences a wide variety of stories to enjoy this holiday season.   Source: BBC

While Bollywood has long dominated India’s film scene with its song-and-dance spectacles, a rising southern industry, Tollywood, is reshaping the country’s cinematic landscape and gaining international recognition. Based in Hyderabad, Tollywood produces films in Telugu, one of India’s widely spoken languages, and has captured global attention with blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR. Operating out of Ramoji Film City, the world’s largest studio complex spanning over 1,600 acres, Tollywood churns out around 300 films annually. The industry is known for high-energy storytelling, mythic narratives, and large-scale visual spectacles. Its films often combine action, family drama, and mythology, released as “pan-India” projects dubbed in multiple languages. While big-budget blockbusters dominate, smaller films rooted in Telugu culture and social themes are increasingly finding audiences on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Tollywood stars command intense fan followings, with devotees treating actors like Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, and Prabhas almost as deities. Movie launches often coincide with festivals and are accompanied by music events, dance performances, and massive fanfare. Fans sometimes organize charitable activities or ritualistic celebrations around their favorite stars. The industry’s influence even extends to politics; N.T. Rama Rao, a legendary actor, became the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh after founding a regional party in 1983. Much of Tollywood’s recent global prominence is credited to filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli. His epics, Baahubali and RRR, blended history, mythology, and spectacular visuals, earning international acclaim and awards, including an Oscar for RRR’s original song. His upcoming film, Varanasi, promises a mix of time travel and Hindu mythology, set for release in 2027. Economically, Tollywood rivals Bollywood in revenue through theatrical releases, television and music rights, overseas distribution, and brand partnerships. Marketing campaigns, dubbed releases, and remakes have helped Telugu films reach national audiences. The industry’s combination of star power, high-octane action, and cultural storytelling has established it as a powerhouse in Indian cinema, drawing regional, national, and global attention. From mythic epics to intimate social dramas, Tollywood is redefining what Indian cinema can achieve, proving that regional industries can compete on a worldwide stage.  

The first part of the final season of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things has drawn strong reactions from critics, with many praising its emotion and excitement while others say the show has lost some of its spark. Several reviewers described the first four episodes of season five as highly entertaining. The Times said the new instalments are filled with “proper jeopardy and bags of emotion,” while the Guardian wrote that the series’ “luxurious final run” delivers moments that will thrill long-time fans. Not all critics agreed. USA Today said the show shifts between “thrilling and annoying,” and The Atlantic described much of the new content as “largely joyless and grim.” Netflix briefly crashed after the episodes were released in the United States on Wednesday and in the United Kingdom early Thursday. Three more episodes will arrive at Christmas, followed by the series finale around New Year. The show is nearing its final showdown as the now-grown heroes of Hawkins, Indiana prepare to face Vecna in what could be their last battle. Some fans woke up early to watch the new episodes as soon as they dropped. One viewer told BBC Radio 1’s Newsbeat that she was “gripped” throughout and glad she made time to binge-watch at dawn. Many critics praised the series for staying true to its 1980s adventure style. The Standard called it classic entertainment filled with humour and heart. Empire wrote that the show “knows exactly what it is” and has not lost its sense of fun. BBC Culture said the fourth episode is “Stranger Things at its best,” predicting a strong finish if the rest of the season follows the same direction. The Telegraph said the show continues to deliver “top-rank comfort viewing” and could still offer a satisfying ending. Some reviewers, however, noted that the cast has aged while the story has struggled to grow with them. Slate wrote that the show feels stuck in place, and the Hollywood Reporter said it may be time for the teenage characters to “grow up and move on.” Others argued that the new season packs in too many characters and plotlines. IndieWire and Nerdist both said the episodes are overly long, with too much happening at once to maintain focus. Three additional episodes are set for release on Christmas Day in the United States and Boxing Day in the United Kingdom. The final episode will stream on New Year’s Eve in the US and New Year’s Day in the UK.   Source: BBC

Veteran actress Mumtaz, who starred alongside Dharmendra in films like Jheel Ke Us Paar (1973) and Loafer (1973), shared memories of her co-star and revealed she was unable to meet him at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital before his passing. “I went to see him at the hospital, but the staff told me he was on a ventilator and no visitors were allowed. I sat there for 30 minutes hoping to see him, but couldn’t. I left without meeting him,” Mumtaz told ETimes. She last met Dharmendra in 2021 at his residence. “That was such a pleasant meeting. It was the last time we met,” she recalled. Speaking about his family, Mumtaz expressed sympathy, particularly for his wife, actor Hema Malini. “I feel sorry for his family, and for Hema ji. She was always devoted to him and must be feeling this loss deeply. She truly loved him,” she said. Mumtaz also remembered Dharmendra as a kind and warm co-star. “We worked together on a few films, and he was always a wonderful co-star — a man with a golden heart. He was milansar — friendly, warm, and connected to everyone. People loved him and always will. He was a legend and is irreplaceable,” she added. Dharmendra’s final Instagram video goes viral after his passing: “Bhagwan Aapko Lambi Sehat De” On Tuesday, Mumtaz shared photos with Dharmendra, including film stills and one featuring him with Anju Mahendru, Poonam Sinha, Jackie Shroff, Danny Denzongpa, Talat Aziz, and herself. She wrote, “Dharam ji, you were and you are always with us! May you rest in peace.” Dharmendra passed away on November 24 at age 89. He had been hospitalized on October 31 due to breathlessness and was discharged on November 12. The veteran actor was cremated at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai, and a prayer meet is scheduled this evening at Seaside Lawns, Taj Lands End, Bandra, from 5 pm to 7:30 pm. Source: NDTV  

Actress Girija Oak, who recently became a viral sensation after pictures of her in a blue saree circulated widely online, has spoken about the less glamorous side of sudden fame. The veteran actress, who has been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades, said that along with admiration, she received unsolicited and often inappropriate messages from men on social media. Speaking to News18, she said, “Eventually, you become thick-skinned. I started acting very early in my life. I've been around for 20–25 years now. Now, when some things happen, you take them with a pinch of salt.” Oak added that while she has developed resilience over the years, she is still human and not immune to being affected. “This time around, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected at all. Things do get to me. But eventually, you figure out ways to handle it,” she explained. She also expressed her surprise at the sense of entitlement some men display in their messages, calling it “quite amusing.” SRK pays tribute to terror attack victims, calls for unity and peace About Girija Oak Girija Oak is recognized for her work in Marathi, Hindi, and Kannada films. Her notable Marathi films include Gulmohar, Lajja, and Navra Maza Bhavra, while in Bollywood, she appeared as Jabeen in Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par (2007), and in Shor in the City (2010) and Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan (2023). On television, she starred in Sony TV’s Ladies Special, a show about the lives of women commuting on Mumbai’s Ladies Special train. Oak has also featured in several OTT projects, including Modern Love: Mumbai, 13th: Some Lessons Aren’t Taught in Classrooms, and most recently, Inspector Zende alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Source: NDTV

The rhythm of South Indian cinema never fades; it evolves, expands, and constantly redefines itself creatively in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada film industries. The last month of the year 2025 is going to enthral the South Indian movie enthusiasts with a bunch of new films spanning action, fantasy, thriller, comedy, drama, sci-fi, and horror genres. Teasers, trailers, and striking posters of upcoming films packed with fiery dialogues and electrifying action poses are raising fan anticipations to ultimate heights. Let’s spotlight the top 12 South Indian movies arriving in December 2025, brimming with thrills and unforgettable moments. 12 Best South Indian Movies Hitting Big Screens This December . Akhanda 2: Thaandavam | Telugu Fantasy Action | December 5, 2025 As a sequel to the 2021 blockbuster, ‘Akhanda 2: Thaandavam’ flourishes with the directing and writing of Boyapati Sreenu. The fantasy film is brought to fruition by producers Gopi Achanta, Ishan Saksena, and Ram Achanta under 14 Reels Plus and IVY Entertainment. Nandamuri Balakrishna, Harshaali Malhotra, Samyuktha Menon, and Aadhi Pinisetty headline the key cast. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in December 2025 The action drama intertwines spiritual faith, childlike innocence, and the rhythm of nature, portraying how communities strive toward progress while holding onto their humanity. M4M: Motive For Murder | Telugu Thriler | December 5, 2025 Made under the direction of Mohan Vadlapatla, ‘M4M: Motive for Murder’ highlights the writing of Vadlapatla, along with Rahul Adabala and Jo Sharma. Set in a tense Hyderabad, the story follows ACP Krishna and journalist Radha as they hunt a serial killer who stages murders inspired by legendary paintings. Their pursuit unravels eerie ties to a student and a school principal, leading to a desperate race to prevent the next artistic crime. Sambeet Acharya and Jo Sharma headline the cast, supported by Subhalekha Sudhakar, Geetha Bhascker, Satya Krishna, and Pasunoori Srinivas. Read more: Upcoming South Indian Movies in November 2025: Top 12 Releases Vadlapatla and Sharma steer the production under the banners of Mohan Media Creations and Mcwingroupusa. Champion | Telugu Sports Drama | December 25, 2025 Jointly written by Pradeep Advaitham and Rutham Samar, ‘Champion’ boasts Advaitham as its director. With the sports drama, Anaswara Rajan made her Telugu debut while co-starring as the female lead opposite Roshan Meka, the protagonist. Santhosh Prathap fronts the cast members as a supporting character. The story unfolds with Michael, a gifted footballer, chasing his London dream in pre-independence Secunderabad. He finds his ambitions derailed by an unforeseen twist that forever alters his destiny. Read more: November 2025 Netflix Originals Lineup: 10 Best Premieres Stealing Spotlight G. K. Mohan, Priyanka Dutt, and Gemini Kiran oversee the production for Swapna Cinema in association with Zee Studios and Anandi Art Creations. Vaa Vaathiyaar | Tamil Action Comedy | December 5, 2025 Bankrolled by K. E. Gnanavel Raja, ‘Vaa Vaathiyaar’—the Studio Green production thrives with  Nalan Kumarasamy as its director and writer. The action comedy revolves around an ardent MGR devotee who believes his grandson shares a divine link with the legendary star. Years later, that boy grows into Ramu (Karthi), a cheerful, carefree cop. His deep bond with his grandfather faces a grave test when unexpected danger strikes. Krithi Shetty and Karthi embody the lead characters, alongside Rajkiran, Sathyaraj, Anandaraj, Karunakaran, Shilpa Manjunath, P. L. Thenappan, G. M. Sundar, and Ramesh Thilak. Love Insurance Kompany | Tamil Sci-fi Comedy | December 18, 2025 Featuring Pradeep Ranganathan, Krithi Shetty, and S. J. Suryah in leads, ‘Love Insurance Kompany’ is brought to life under the direction and writing of Vignesh Shivan. The romantic comedy has an ensemble supporting cast of Yogi Babu, Gouri G Kishan, Seeman, Mysskin, Shah Ra, Anandaraj, Sunil Reddy, and Malavika. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for October 2025: The 10 Biggest Releases Set in 2040, amid a world consumed by technology, the film traces the search for genuine love, a journey that may reignite humanity’s fading sense of spirit and connection. Nayanthara and S. S. Lalit Kumar produced the sci-fi film, bringing together Rowdy Pictures and Seven Screen Studio. Retta Thala | Tamil Action Thriller | December 18, 2025 Starring Arun Vijay in a dual avatar locked in an intense inner conflict, ‘Retta Thala’ comes from BTG Universal, spearheaded by Bobby Balachandran. Kris Thirukumaran takes the writing and directorial role for the action thriller. Joined Vijay are Tanya Ravichandran, Siddhi Idnani, and Kannada actor Yogi Samy, with an additional cast including Hareesh Peradi, Balaji Murugadoss, and John Vijay.

Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae singer and actor known for hits like “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Vietnam,” as well as his starring role in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his passing Monday. A joint message posted on Cliff’s social media accounts by Chambers and the couple’s three children said he died from a “seizure followed by pneumonia.” No further details were immediately available. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his career,” the announcement read. “He truly appreciated every fan for their love.” A native of Jamaica, Cliff rose to prominence in Kingston’s vibrant music scene as a teenager and became a leading figure in the 1960s reggae movement alongside future stars such as Bob Marley, Toots Hibbert, and Peter Tosh. In the early 1970s, he accepted an offer from director Perry Henzell to star in The Harder They Come, portraying aspiring musician Ivanhoe “Ivan” Martin, who turns to crime when his music career stalls. The film’s title was suggested by Henzell as a potential song for Cliff. “Ivanhoe was a real-life figure in Jamaica,” Cliff told Variety in 2022 on the film’s 50th anniversary. “He was feared because he had guns and even shot a policeman. Perry wanted to turn him into an anti-hero in a Hollywood way.” Despite initial funding delays, The Harder They Come became Jamaica’s first major commercial film release. Though its first run drew modest audiences, it is now celebrated as a cultural milestone, with its soundtrack considered among the greatest ever and a key factor in bringing reggae to the global stage. At the height of his career, Cliff rivaled Bob Marley in prominence. He contributed to an album featuring Toots and the Maytals, the Slickers, and Desmond Dekker, performing four of the eleven tracks that have become reggae classics. Songs like “Sitting in Limbo” conveyed reflective hope, while “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and the film’s title track offered messages of determination. In “Many Rivers to Cross,” Cliff delivered a heartfelt gospel-inspired reflection on facing racism during his time in England in the 1960s. Cliff continued recording and performing for decades, collaborating with artists including the Rolling Stones, Wyclef Jean, Sting, and Annie Lennox. His music also inspired political movements, including the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, and reached wider U.S. audiences through Bruce Springsteen’s cover of “Trapped” on the 1985 charity album We Are the World. Other artists to cover his songs included John Lennon, Cher, and UB40. He was nominated for seven Grammys, winning twice for Best Reggae Album—1986’s Cliff Hanger and 2012’s Rebirth, widely regarded as a career highlight. His discography also includes the Grammy-nominated The Power and the Glory, Humanitarian, and the 2022 album Refugees. Cliff performed on Steve Van Zandt’s protest anthem “Sun City” and appeared in the Robin Williams comedy Club Paradise, contributing songs to its soundtrack. Among his honors were induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Jamaica’s Order of Merit. In 2019, Montego Bay renamed its popular “hip strip” Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, and in 2021 he received an official Jamaican passport recognizing his status as a Reggae Ambassador. Born James Chambers in Saint James Parish, he moved to Kingston in his youth, following a path similar to the character he later portrayed in The Harder They Come. By the early 1960s, reggae—then evolving from ska and rocksteady—was beginning to define Jamaica’s post-independence soundscape. Cliff achieved early local hits including “King of Kings” and “Miss Jamaica” and represented Jamaica at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. “Reggae is a pure music born of the poorer class of people,” he told Spin in 2022. “It emerged from a need for recognition, identity, and respect.” Cliff’s international breakthrough came after signing with Island Records, although founder Chris Blackwell struggled to market him to rock audiences. Hits like his cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World” and the uplifting “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” cemented his global appeal. His protest song “Vietnam” drew inspiration from friends affected by the war. Henzell persuaded Cliff to star in The Harder They Come, believing in his acting potential. Cliff later reflected on the cultural impact of his fame: “Seeing your face and name on the side of buses in London was astonishing,” he told The Guardian in 2021. “It was a moment of recognition for African descendants like us.”