International
Michael Jackson’s hair up to go under the hammer
MUMBAI: The hair salvaged from the scalp of Michael Jackson after he was burned during the filming of a soft-drink commercial is to be sold at auction.
The 12 strands of hair from the late pop legend‘‘s mane, collectively valued at USD 1,600 will be auctioned in London on 17 October 17.
Jackson‘‘s hair was famously set alight on the sets of the Pepsi by pyrotechnics in the 1984 accident, leaving him with second degree burns. Jacko‘‘s fire-damaged locks were collected by the executive producer of the commercial, Ralph Cohen, who helped rescue the star by extinguishing the blaze with his coat.
A clump of singing legend Elvis Presley‘‘s hair will also go under the hammer
this month, with the clipping expected to raise up to $ 14,400.
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.
