International
Richard Burton gets Hollywood star
MUMBAI: Nearly 30 years after his death, Richard Burton has been honoured by Hollywood with a star on the Walk of Fame next to his ex-wife Elizabeth Taylor.
The Welsh-born actor received the film world‘s highest accolade as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the movie Cleopatra that brought Burton and Taylor together and saw the start of their passionate love affair.
Among those paying tribute at the St David‘s Day ceremony was the star‘s grandson, actor Morgan Ritchie, 24, with his sister Charlotte and mother Kate. Burton and Taylor‘s adopted daughter Maria was also there.
The unveiling of the plaque, the 2,491st on Hollywood Boulevard, came after a long-running campaign.
Burton, who died in 1984 aged 58, starred alongside Taylor in 11 films.
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.
