International
Seth MacFarlane approached to host Oscars again
MUMBAI: Seth MacFarlane may have shown reluctance to return as an Oscar host, but producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are apparently keen to bring him back for the high profile job.
While Zadan and Meron are making a return to oversee the Oscars in 2014, they reportedly want MacFarlane back for the hosting job though he has faced criticism from several quarters but ensured that the show generated good rating.
It is said that after defending his performance, the producers reached out to Seth and invited him back to host the show again.
Immediately after his hosting stint, MacFarlane had said that he would not like to return for a second time. However, sources say that he is still considering the offer though he‘s not sure if he‘s going to do it, but he has to decide within the next couple of weeks.
The last Oscars, this year, drew 40.3 million total viewers but MacFarlane was criticised because of his controversial jokes on sensitive social issues.
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.
