International
Javier Bardem receives star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
MUMBAI: Javier Bardem, who plays the villain in the latest James Bond film Skyfall, has become the latest celebrity to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Spaniard who is married to Penelope Cruz was joined by his James Bond director Sam Mendes as well as cast mates Naomie Harris and Berenice Marlohe at the ceremony.
According to sources, Bardem‘s acceptance speech was full of humour and he even poked fun at his broken nose, that was the result of a bar fight several years ago.
Bardem enthused, “Javier Bardem Day. That‘s so cool. And what‘s that like? Does everyone have to walk with a broken nose around Hollywood Boulevard?”.
The actor follows in the footsteps of his wife of more than two years Penelope who received her Hollywood star in April last year.
The 38-year-old actress was presented with her honour from her Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides co-star Johnny Depp. Javier‘s star is located in front of the El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
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.
