International
Steve Rothenberg dies at 50
MUMBAI: Lionsgate film releasing president Steve Rothenberg, a film distribution veteran known for energetic work habits and broad knowledge of his field, died Thursday in Burbank after a months-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 50.
The New York native was a 28-year industry vet, who began his career working for filmmaker Roger Corman. During more than 10 years at Lionsgate, Rothenberg guided the release of films with a combined boxoffice of almost $2 billion, featuring a diverse array of successful films such as Michael Moore‘s political documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11,” western “3:10 to Yuma,” the “Saw” horror pics and Tyler Perry comedies.
Rothenberg previously served as distribution president at Artisan Entertainment, where he created and implemented a distribution strategy for the indie horror phenomenon “The Blair Witch Project” and many other theatrical releases.
Rothenberg is remembered both for his tireless work ethic and unflagging loyalty to family and friends. He is survived by his wife Frances and their children Alexandra, Ted and Emma of Glendale, Calif.; his mother, Ina Rothenberg, of Boynton Beach, Fla.; and a sister, Stacy Moscoe, of West Hills, Calif.
A memorial service will be held noon Tuesday at Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Camp Kesem, a children‘s camp for families coping with cancer at www.campkesem.org.
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.
