International
Rowling working on Potter encyclopedia
MUMBAI: Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling is working on a Harry Potter encyclopedia. She will donate the royalties to charity, it is understood.
On her revamped website, Rowling addressed the question of a Harry Potter encyclopedia in a ‘frequently asked questions and rumours‘ section. "For a long time I have been promising an encyclopedia of Harry‘s world and I have started work on this now," said the 46-year-old author. Some of it forms the new content in Pottermore.
Pottermore, a free website allowing visitors to navigate the stories and discover new content not in the original books, is one of several Potter spin-offs following the completion of the seven-novel series.
The novels have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and spawned a hit eight-movie film franchise that has helped turn Rowling into the world‘s most successful author.
It may be recalled that four years ago the British writer took an independent US publisher to Court to bring an end to its plans for a reference book on the world of the fictional boy wizard saying that it constituted a ‘rip-off‘ of her work.
Earlier this month, Rowling announced the title of her first book for adults would be The Casual Vacancy. It goes on sale on 27 September.
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.
