International
Pink Panther director Blake Edwards expires
MUMBAI: Blake Edwards, known for his comedy films in the Pink Panther franchise and Breakfast At Tiffany‘s expired of complications related to pneumonia last Wednesday. He was 88.
Edwards, one of the most prolific and enduring helmers of his time, was not well for sometime. His wife actress Julie Andrews and other family members were at his bedside when he died on Wednesday.
“He was the most unique man I have ever known – and he was my mate. He will be missed beyond words and will forever be in my heart,” Andrews said in a statement.
Edwards is best known for his work in The Pink Panther series in which Peter Sellers played the role of the bungling police detective Jacques Clouseau and 1961‘s classic Breakfast at Tiffany‘s in which he worked with Audrey Hepburn.
Apart from directing, Edwards also worked as writer-producer on several films. Though he never got an Oscar or a Golden Globe for his films, Edwards was given an Honourary Oscar in recognition of his cinematic contribution.
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.
