International
Sophia Loren honoured
MUMBAI: In an event organised by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Wednesday, yesteryear actress Sophia Loren was honoured. This comes 50 years after she won the Oscar for Two Women.
“The Academy Award changed my life completely. It helped me to believe in myself and encouraged me to push my own artistic boundaries,” the actress reportedly said in her speech. “There are no words to describe my emotions right now. It is hard to imagine that 50 years have passed since I welcomed my Oscar to my home,” she added.
The 77-year-old actress was the first person to win an Oscar for a foreign-language role for her role in ‘Two Women‘ in the year 1961.
Veteran Hollywood celebrities like John Travolta, Tom Hanks and Benigni too turned up to honour the actress.
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.
