International
Obama speech writer Jon Favreau to turn to script writing
MUMBAI: President Obama‘s head speechwriter, Jon Favreau is considering pursuing a career in writing scripts for films.
Favreau, who was just 23 when he joined then-Senator Obama‘s staff, will leave his job on 1 March.
During his tenure, Favreau cultivated a celebrity persona of sorts, dating actress Rashida Jones and taking her to the 2007 White House Correspondents‘ Dinner. He was named one of People‘s most beautiful people in the world in 2009 and has been touted as an influential figure by GQ, Time and Vanity Fair.
Favreau‘s friends are of the belief that he is interested in following the footsteps of former Obama speechwriter Jon Lovett, who went on to co-create NBC‘s political comedy 1600 Penn. Though he plans on staying in Washington for some time now but may move to Los Angeles later.
During his time at the White House, Favreau penned big speeches for the president, including Obama‘s first inaugural address and his healthcare speech to Congress. The president has since thanked him for his service.
Cody Keenan, who is a Chicago native in charge of writing Obama‘s upcoming State of the Union address will succeed Favreau.
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.
