International
Janet Jackson turns film producer
MUMBAI: After signing a production deal with Lionsgate to develop big screen projects, songstress Janet Jackson is all set to become a film producer.
“She has a powerful onscreen presence, with a vast audience, and we believe she will be an equally powerful presence behind the scenes. We are honoured to be able to provide a home for her ideas, passion and immense talent,” President of Lionsgate Mike Paseornek has been quoted as saying.
The 44-year-old singer-actress has a passion for storytelling. Said Jackson, “Many people forget that I started out as an actor. I have been fortunate to work in the film industry, though not as much as I would like. I have a passion for storytelling and have been doing it through my music for some time.”
Jackson, incidentally, is not new at Lionsgate. She has starred in the studio‘s films like Why Did I Get Married, Why Did I Get Married Too and For Colored Girls.
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.
