International
Editor David Edward Blewitt expires
MUMBAI: Emmy-winner and Oscar-nominated film editor, David Edward Blewitt expired at the age of 81 on 8 July of complications from Parkinson‘s disease.
His silver screen credits include Ghostbusters (1984) and The Buddy Holly Story (1978). He was nominated for the Academy Award for the 1980 film The Competition.
On the television front, Blewitt worked on such series and specials as Bob Hope: The First 90 Years for which he won an Emmy in 1993, The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Having worked for more than 40 years, Blewitt earned a career achievement award in 2005 from the American Cinema Editors. He was nominated for five ACE Eddie Awards, winning them twice.
Blewitt leaves behind his wife, Annie, daughter Risa Bastien, son-in-law Steve Bastien and grand daughter Annabel.
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.
