International
Court allows Jackson’s doctor’s trial on TV
MUMBAI: The Los Angeles Court has allowed the trial of Michael Jackson`s doctor Dr. Conrad Murray next month as long as they do not interfere with proceedings.
The Superior Court judge Michael Pastor also postponed the date of Dr. Murray`s trial by four days to 24 March when jury selection is expected to start. It is said that the trial is expected to last about six weeks.
Pastor said that he wanted the “absolute least intrusive placement” of a TV camera in the courtroom and sought detailed proposals from local news crews. He also blocked cameras from broadcasting jury selection.
If convicted, the doctor faces up to fours in prison. Involuntary manslaughter is defined as unintentional killing without malice and is a lesser charge than murder.
Murray, who was with Jackson at his home on 25 June, 2009, has admitted giving the 50-year-old singer the powerful anesthetic tablet as a sleep aid while he was rehearsing for a series of planned comeback concerts in London. Coroners ruled that Jacko‘s death was caused by an overdose of anesthetic tablet and a mix of sedatives.
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.
