International
Jackie Chan to lead concert to raise money for Japan
MUMBAI: Jackie Chan along with 100 other artistes will take part in a concert next week to raise money for the relief efforts in Japan. The others include singer Hacken Lee, actor Eric Tsang and model Angelababy.
On his website Chan has said that the event was being held to raise money and praise the spirit of the Japanese people. “The earthquake in Japan was a devastating disaster and I want the Japanese people to know that my thoughts are with them,” he observed.
The four-hour concert called Love Beyond Borders 311, organised by Chan and other members of Hong Kong‘s entertainment industry, will be broadcast live from the city‘s Victoria Park on 1 April.
It is hoped the event plus a single called Do Not Give Into Heartache, recorded by participating celebrities, will raise around 40 million Hong Kong dollars ($5.1 million) for the Salvation Army‘s relief efforts in Japan.
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.
