International
MJ doctor gets four years in prison
MUMBAI: Dr Conrad Hunt, who was convicted in the overdose death of Michael Jackson, has been sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison.
The doctor was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after a six-week trial that presented the most detailed account yet of Jackson‘s final hours but left many questions about the doctor‘s treatment of the superstar with an operating-room anesthetic as he battled chronic insomnia.
It may be noted that Hunt told detectives he had been giving the singer nightly doses of propofol to help him sleep as he prepared for a series of comeback concerts. Propofol is supposed to be used in hospital settings and has never been approved for sleep treatments, yet Hunt acknowledged giving it to Jackson then leaving the room on the day the singer died.
The doctor declined to testify during his trial but did opt to participate in a documentary in which he said he didn‘t consider himself guilty of any crime and blamed Jackson for entrapping him into administering the propofol doses.
In their sentencing memorandum, prosecutors cited Hunt‘s statements to advocate that he receive the maximum term. They also want him to pay restitution to the singer‘s three children Prince, Paris and Blanket.
However, it‘s unlikely that Hunt would be able to pay any sizable sum including the $1.8 million cost of Jackson‘s funeral.
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.
