International
Sacha Baron Cohen edges out Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt to be Britain‘s highest-paid star
MUMBAI: Comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, who played President Prime Minister Admiral General Haffaz Aladeen, in the 2012 film The Dictator has been named Britain‘s highest paid Hollywood star.
He drew over 20 million pounds in 2012 thanks to box office success of The Dictator and Les Miserables.
The 41-year-old also added to his earnings with payment for his role as the voice of the lemur King Julien in Madagascar 3. This helped him earn more than fellow countryman Robert Pattinson.
The actor outran Tom Hanks (17 million pounds) and Brad Pitt (16 million pounds).
The list was topped by the 50-year-old Tom Cruise whose films like Jack Reacher and Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol earned him 48 million pounds in 2012.
International
Russia-India cinematic spectacle Persimmon of My Love set for grand Moscow debut
Hindi cinema style musical revives Indo-Soviet cinema ties for today
MUMBAI: A new chapter in cross-border storytelling is set to unfold as Persimmon of My Love gears up for its premiere in Moscow on 1 April 2026, marking the first large-scale cinematic collaboration between Russia and India in decades.
Positioned as a modern nod to the cultural exchange that once brought Indian classics to Soviet audiences, the film blends Hindi cinema flair with Russian storytelling, aiming to rekindle a long-standing cinematic friendship.
Directed by Marius Weisberg, the musical comedy follows two brothers navigating a lively world of music, family and romance. The lead roles are played by Demis Karibidis and Mikhail Galustyan, with Karibidis also contributing as a screenwriter.
Shot entirely in India, the production leans heavily into Hindi cinema style spectacle. Filming took place across Mumbai studios and the cities of Udaipur and Jodhpur, whose architecture was used to create the fictional setting of Khurmada. A crew of over 350 worked on the project, with large-scale sequences featuring up to 1,000 extras.
The film also brings Indian creative talent into the mix. Dance sequences are choreographed by Jay Kumar, while music by Zurab Matua features songs in both Hindi and Russian, adding to its cross-cultural appeal.
Backed by TNT channel, MyWayStudio and the Russian Cinema Fund, the project reflects a broader push to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.
With its mix of colour, comedy and cross-border collaboration, Persimmon of My Love is not just a film release but a reminder that cinema, much like music, travels well across borders.
