International
Fans of Charlton Heston clamour for his postal stamp
MUMBAI: In an effort to get Charlton Heston‘s image on a US postal stamp, supporters of the star gathered at his Hollywood‘s Walk of Fame on Wednesday.
Heston‘s former publicist Michael Levine organized the event, and he came armed with statements of support from Phoenix Pictures chairman and CEO Mike Medavoy, entertainment attorney Bruce Ramer and others.
Heston is better known for his films like Ben Hur and The Ten Commandments and expired on 5 April, 2008. But he isn‘t eligible to adorn a stamp until 2013.
His supporters figure it‘s not too early to start lobbying the Citizen Stamp Advisory Commission, especially given that it might be an uphill climb given that the star‘s term of president of the National Rifle Association made him a polarizing figure in some circles.
Those who attended Wednesday‘s Walk of Fame event was political commentator Bruce Herschensohn and actors Stephen Macht and Patrick Kilpatrick.
Other actors who already have their face on a stamp include John Wayne, Charlie Chaplin, Groucho Marx, Lucille Ball and Jimmy Stewart.
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.
