International
Dead while going for a funeral!
MUMBAI: In a kind of death that very little in the world would have, publicist Scotty Dugan died while traveling to the funeral of music executive and film producer John Atterberry on December 21.
Atterberry died on December 12 from wounds he suffered during the December 9 attack carried out by Tyler Brehm. He was 52.
Dugan used to informally handle public relations for God‘s Country, a forthcoming Christian-themed independent film produced and co-written by Atterberry.
“He was the inspirational backbone of my career,” Gotzon said. “Everything I‘ve basically gotten has been from Scotty‘s belief in me. I have extraordinary memories.”
A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner‘s Office did not have information on the cause of death and said Dugan‘s body has yet to be examined.
Dugan was on his way to Atterberry‘s funeral, which was held at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in South Los Angeles. Atterberry, 40, was also a music executive and chief financial officer and senior partner of GridLock Group, an events promotion firm based in Los Angeles.
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.
