International
Laura Ziskin leaves for heavenly abode
MUMBAI: Producer Laura Ziskin, known to have produced the Spider-Man franchise, has expired. The 61-year old, who had been battling breast cancer for seven years, continued to undertake major productions in Hollywood in spite of her illness.
Though Ziskin struggled with cancer since receiving a Stage 3 diagnosis in 2004, she remained indefatigable, overseeing one of Sony‘s highest-grossing franchises and the broadcast of the industry‘s top awards shows.
The Spider-Man franchise, incidentally, roped in over $1.5 billion worldwide making her one of the most powerful producers in Hollywood.
Ziskin also produced the Academy Awards telecast two times, becoming the first woman to produce the awards show solo in 2002. She also produced critically acclaimed films like Fight Club and To Die For.
She also became active in the movement to combat the disease, drawing on her contacts in the entertainment industry to help found Stand Up To Cancer in 2008.
Ziskin rose from the trenches of the entertainment industry to become one of a handful of women who were an integral part of the power elite. After graduating from the University of Southern California‘s School for Cinematic Arts, Ziskin worked as a game show writer and personal assistant to producer Jon Peters. From there, she moved on to become a development executive, eventually forming Fogwood Films with partner Sally Field.
At Fogwood, the noted producer made the Oscar nominated Murphy‘s Romance as a vehicle for Field and the Cold War thriller No Way Out that provided a crucial early role to a young Kevin Costner.
As president of Fox 2000, Ziskin oversaw hits like Pretty Woman and Courage Under Fire among others. After leaving Fox 2000 in 1999, Ziskin landed an independent production deal at Columbia Pictures, where she produced Spider-Man.
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.
