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NY PRIVATE SPECIAL EVENT: CHEVY CHASE & “THE GODFATHERS”
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Flashes of scenes from the box office hit of the 80’s “National Lampoon Vacations”kept coming to mind as I entered the lavish and swanky Audi showroom on Park Avenue on Tuesday night and saw the very tall actor Chevy Chase mingling with the upscale & beautiful NY crowd. It was a private & special book release party for “The Godfather Family Album”a incredible pictorial book compiled by famed photographer Steve Schapiro and his years of photographing the fictionalized characters. Schapiro’s friends, associates and well wishers came to the very classy party produced by publisher Taschen Books and Men’s Vogue magazine. I have been to a ton of book launch parties before but never to one at a fancy car showroom so it was indeed the kind of party that you talk about days after it’s over.
Actor Chevy Chase in discussion with world famous photographer Steve Schapiro at book party
But first about the book. I was impressed. The Godfather Family Album based on Francis Ford Coppola’s legendary film ‘The Godfathers” is simply more then just a collectors item. It’s a piece of treasure (with a $700 price tag) that anyone who ever loved the epic film and their characters must have. Black and white classic images of iconic actors such as Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert De Niro and Al Picino are all part of Schapiro’s collection. I mean please, who can forget the famous image of actor Marlon Brando holding that cat with that mysterious and captivating grin. Oye!
The book includes over 400 never before images from the films. It is available through www.taschen.com with only a limited edition of 1000.
Ok, back to the party. The last time I saw Chevy Chase, he was at a red carpet movie premiere in LA just being himself and having fun and that’s pretty much what he was doing at the party. Dressed in a blazer with jeans and loafers, Chase was chatting up a storm with old friends and devoted fans. Chase and Schapiro mingled with the beautiful folks of NYC to speak about the book and the collection of photos.
Chase and Schapiro admire the latest Audi cars at the Park Avenue NY showroom.
NY businessmen who dressed as Vogue representatives, chatted up beautiful models who lingered around the posh Audi cars as they glimpsed at Chase and tried to get a picture with him. People were friendly, courteous and very much impressed by the talent of Schapiro’s work.
“Seeing Chase brings back memories of high school” commented a guest gorgeous enough to be on the cover of the next Vogue.
Memories indeed. Chase’s character Clark Griswold from the four “National Lampoon Vacation ” films did indeed put him on the map as a star and really have been a strong reminder of his claim to fame in addtion to being the first cast member of “Saturday Night Live”.
Despite being an outspoken liberal, Chase’s popularity hasn’t been effected as you could tell from the 200 plus people that came to the event. It was indeed good to see Chase doing what he does best- being funny.
Ravi
Mumbai Attacks: Way To Close To Home
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The world has now become very familiar with Mumbai. Not because of some blockbuster Bollywood extravaganza or some technological discovery but for the worst terrorist attack ever that killed more than 170 innocent people sending shock waves through the city of 19 million people.
It was way to close to home.
For me, Mumbai is my second home. For almost two decades, as an journalist & producer, I have travelled to the exotic city for stories, personal visits, Bollywood interviews, weddings, film premieres, you name it..I have gone to Mumbai for it! I have seen the city transform over the years into a modern, energetic and incredible place for the world to visit.
Picture of the majestic Taj Hotel taken on my last trip to India in 2006.
Special memories of dining at the Taj Hotel attending social gatherings and Bollywood parties at the historical venue or just hanging out with friends while enjoying a strong cup of chai at the Leopold Cafe, were all flashing before my eyes as I saw the attacks on television. Could this be really happening? I had to ask that question to myself over and over again in disbelief.
The Taj? No way. I thought places like the Taj were not targets of terror but luxurious places of safety & pleasure. But like many of us, I was boldly incorrect and a bit naive I might add as well.
The first thing I did was text all my friends/relatives/contacts to make sure they were ok. Thank God they were. Then I continued to get updated text messages from my journalist friends staying in Mumbai telling me what was happening. They were scared and filled with uncertainty- I can sense it in their texts. Many had rushed to shelter in strangers apts for the moment while others made quick new friends trying to get out of the city back to NY. A few were concerned about the safety of the other historical buildings like the famed Gate of India or the famous temples. At that particular moment, nothing seemed safe said one contact.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus that was attacked really hit close to home. I have been to and travelled to that station dozens of times over the years. Even in the worst monsoon season with torrential downpours, that station never closes. But all I could see on TV were empty halls & blood stained floors.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, India. A lifeline for millions of daily commuters.
The last time I was in India, a bomb went off near another hotel I was staying at in Mumbai and immediately the staff advised all of us foreigners to stay in our rooms and not to open the door until told to do so. Flashbacks were coming back indeed.
The attacks maybe over, but the residue and images of terror will be lingering on for time to come. “The city is slowly getting back to normal” said my friend Rahul, an producer in Mumbai. “But there is a still a bit of a fear factor in the eyes of people walking the streets” he cautiously commented.
I am planning on going to Mumbai soon with my best friends. The trip was planned way before the attacks. “Are you still going to go?” asks my friend Rachel who like many who are concerned about people going to India now. “Of course without a doubt “. I replied.
Without a doubt.
Ravi
NY GALA ALERT: DEC. 15: CHARITY:WATER GALA: GIVE THE DRINK OF LIFE
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The next time you pick up a fancy bottle of crystal clear water and are about to quench your thirst, take a second if you will to just imagine that bottle of water being filthy, muddy and filled with bacteria and other elements dangerous to your health. Not very appealing, huh? Well, thanks to Scott Harrison Founder and President of Charity:Water organization, www.charitywater.org, thousands of people around the world now have safe and clean drinking water. Through his dedication and endless efforts Scott & his team have been providing clean and healthy drinking water to thousands in underdeveloped countries that are subjected to dirty and unhealthy drinking water.
In two years Charity:Water has developed 1, 030 water projects in 13 countries allowing 500K people to have clean and safe drinking clean water. Now that’s incredible!
His annual Charity:Water Gala Benefit scheduled on December 15, 2008 at The Metropolitan Pavillion located at 125 West 18th Street brings out the best of New Yorkers and is a way for people to help donate and help numerous countries including Africa, India and Guyana to have clean drinking water. Tickets for the gala can be purchased online at www.charitywater.org.
Talented Actor and long time supporter Adrian Grenier will co-host Charity:Water Benefit on Dec. 15.
I attended and covered the event last year and let me say one thing. It was simply incredible. 1500 of the most beautiful, elegantly dressed and generous people you will ever meet. Large poster size images of children from around the world are displayed through the venue attached with stories about how their lives have been changed through Charity:Water. A list celebrities, supermodels, socialites & famous New Yorkers mingled with the guests during the night learning more about the organization and how they can help. Glamorous red carpet arrivals laced with celebrities and national press all came out to support Scott and his wonderful organization. Honestly, it’s an event that you don’t want to miss!
The most rewarding part of the evening is you get to see how your donations are being utilized around the world and how many people are benefiting from the generosity of others. All for the sake of clean drinking water. It’s a great feeling.
For all those “Entourage” fans, the gala this year will be hosted by superstar Adrian Grenier who is as humble as any star can be along side the stunning supermodel and very gracious Jessica Stam. I met and interviewed both of them last year and the passion and concern for people is visibly seen in their eyes.
Co-hosts supermodel Jessica Stam and actor Adrien Grenier are long time supporters of Charity:Water
A $20 dollar bottle of water can give so many people the drink for life. That’s a price of a movie these days with oily popcorn. Just think, after you watch the movie and eat the popcorn, what do you have? Nothing. A $20 dollar donation goes 100 percent towards building water wells and providing clean water for the people of Africa and other nations. I spoke to a few patrons last year at the gala who had travelled to the countries where Scott has done work and were so pleased with the progress Charity:Water is doing they continue to support his work.So the next time you pick up that clean, sparkling bottle of water, you may want to think of Charity:Water and how you can help in spreading the wealth of clean and safe drinking water. The event sells out fast so for tickets go online at www.charitywater.org.Hope to see you at the event!Ravi
Freezing Night in NYC Brings Out Warm Hearts For Charity.
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It had to be one of the coldest nights so far in NYC this Fall season. I mean cold. Cold. Did I say that already? Sorry. Ok, enough of that. But it was cold.
It was blistering winds outside on the streets of Manhattan but warm and toasty inside the spacious Gotham Hall in Manhattan on Friday night, November 20th when the gorgeous supermodel and founder Helena Houdova along with superstar Russell Simmons came together for Houdova’s annual Sunflower Children Charity Celebrity Poker event. The charity (www.sunflowerchildren.org) is a humanitarian based organization that aids disadvantaged children around the world in education, healthcare and the necessary requirements for daily healthy living. Helena is President and founder of the Sunflower Children Charity and she does an amazing job with her tireless efforts and passion for helping children.
Supermodel Helena Houdova, Founder & President Sunflower Children
The charity has grown immensly over the years thanks to the supermodel and her team of dedicated & caring people. The organization has helped thousands of children through the generous donations of people who attend the galas/events that Helena does throughout the year. She has a very loyal following and it certainly showed at the event that was nearly sold out. Co-host & long time supporter Russell Simmons, who is ever so generous with his time and money, graced the occasion with his tradmark sport cap and winning smile as guests entered the main area for the cocktail party where international male model Lane Carlson was interviewing stars and guests for TV. The long line of beauties waiting to speak to Lane was indeed confirmation that the model has many dedicated fans.
Co-hosts Russell Simmons & Helena share a joke.
Despite her busy travel schedule, Helena still manages to find time to assist in arranging and overseeing events throughout the year for the foundation. When you speak to her in person, you can get a feel for her dedication and drive that she has to help people. I’ve met her many times over the years at events and she is gracious and very humble in nature and always stops to speak to reporters.The red carpet arrivals were a bit tight this year in the sense that most of us reporters, photographers, foreign and US TV crews were all sharing one packed area. But still we all cooperated with one another as the celebrities & supermodels came through to stop and talk to reporters before they were whisked away into the main area of the Hall.
With intense wind chill factor going strong, the ladies did not skip out on wearing their best designer evening gowns complimented by the finest jewels and furs. It was indeed the place to be scene in NY that night!
Congrats to Helena and her hardworking and dedicated team of volunteers and support staff who worked so hard to make sure the event ran smoothly. People were excited to be part of something so special and from the looks of it, it was indeed a successful event. Kudos to smart and organized Lisa Sorenson of LSPR who did a great job with the press and the red carpet. For more info do check out www.sunflowerchildren.org to see how you can join Helena and Lane in their crusade to help children around the world.
As I was leaving Gotham Hall, I saw a very beautiful lady running in late from the cold wearing a sexy black evening gown and a sheer silk jacket barely covering her up.
“What a cold night” I commented.
“wild horses couldn’t keep me away tonight” smiled the beauty.
That statement itself speaks volumes of the generous human spirit.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Ravi
NY Red Carpet Premiere: “Slumdog Millionaire: A Powerful Film With Early Oscar Buzz
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New York: A glittering red carpet night at the Imagine Asian Theater in NY on November 8, 2008 when Hollywood and Bollywood came together for the premiere of one of the most talked about movies so far this year “Slumdog Millionaire”.
Co-director Loveleen Tandon, Director Danny Boyle & screenwriter Simon Beaufoy
“Slumdog Millionaire” is an incredible and highly recommended movie and has the Oscar buzz to prove it. The movie based on the novel “Q&A” by Vikas Swarup and screenplay written by the multi-talented Simon Beaufoy (The Full Monty) shows the world real India- a country where over a billiion plus people live, many in poverty who have dreams of making a better life for themselves and struggle daily to find the answer. It’s also home to lavish Bollywood, incredible culture, music, stylish fashion, global techology and of course people like “Jamal Malik”.
At the Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council star studded red carpet NY premiere hosted by founder Aroon Shivadasani, I had a rare chance to interview the director of the masterpiece, the highly acclaimed Danny Boyle who was surprised at the incredible reaction the film has received from the American audience in such a short time.
“I was always worried about the American audience reaction. I knew it would do well in England due to the strong connection we have with India but was a bit concerned about what western audiences would think” states the award winning director whose previous films have included “Trainspotting”, “The Beach” and “28 Days Later”.
No need to worry here. All the major film critics have embraced it with open arms.
“Slumdog Millioniare” was in fact well received with festival audiences. It took home “People’s Choice Award” from the prestigious Toronto Film Festival this past September and almost every major newspaper has given the film a glowing rating. There’s a reason why the critics and audiences have taken to the film believes Boyle.
“The film depicts the main character Jamal as an underdog and a dreamer who fights to achieve his dream in everyway he can. I think the concept of rooting for the underdog is buried very deep into the American psyche which is why I think the American audiences are appreciating it” states the award winning director.
Boyle says by living in East London for years he himself has been exposed to Indian culture but his personal experience in India during the filming was something he never had experienced before.
“I only really lived in Mumbai so I can’t really comment on whole of India but what I experienced, the people, the city is vibrant and has a great vibe all the time” states the director.
Without giving to much away, ‘Slumdog Millionaire” is about Jamal Malik (portrayed by newcomer actor Dev Patel who should make room for his Oscar staute) a slum child with no future but dreams of making it big. Through his life experiences, he meets dangerous people, makes friends and enemies and falls in love with the beautiful Latika (portrayed by the stunning newcomer Freida Pinto). Footnote: Both young actors have never acted before in a movie and being their first film, you can see how brilliant casting director turned co-director Loveleen Tandon has a keen eye for talent. Patel and Pinto are simply amazing.
Dev Patel & Freida Pinto at NY premiere.
Jamal’s life included a series of adventures, mishaps and complex situations that eventually help him on the popular TV quiz show “Who Wants To Be An Millionaire”. The “slumdog” becomes a chai seller for a calling center and like the rest of the world, gets hooked on to the show while working at the center. Jamal gets a chance to be on the show, starts to win money and soon becomes a target for the jealous and insecure host Prem Kumar played by Bollywood megastar Anil Kapoor.
“Anil was great. He was a bit nervous working in an English movie although he speaks the language perfectly. I had never met him before and he helped out in many ways including guiding the studio audience during the scenes” states the director who also roped in other Bollywood top stars including Irrfan Khan (The Namesake” & “The Darjeeling Limited”) and top director/actor Mahesh Manjrekar.
Prem engulfed with jealousy & suspicion makes it extremely challenging for Jamal to continue on the show but goodness prevails and Jamal ends up winning millions on the show bringing him unexpected fame, fortune and havoc. What happens next is what makes the story interesting and Oscar worthy.
The sold out premiere was also graced by internationally known and award winning movie director Mira Nair, beautiful actress Sarita Choudhury, TV star Maulik Pancholy and actor Ajay Naidu.
“Slumdog Millionaire” is one movie you do not want to miss this holiday season and when it gets to the Oscars, you, like the rest of the world, will root for “Jamal” to win!
Live As If You Were To Die Tomorrow, Learn As If You Would Live Forever- Mohandas Gandhi
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A profound statement made by one of the world’s most revered and respected leaders Mohandas Gandhi. To many of us, he was simply known as Gandhi.
Greetings from The Ravi Report!
So much to talk about and cover folks!
As a global news journalist and producer, I thought it was time to have an extension of my thoughts & comments about people that I have interviewed, places that I have visited and reported from and film or charity events that I have attended and covered. Mixed that in with exclusive interviews with celebrities,
Actor Tom Cruise poses exclusively for The Ravi Report at his movie premiere.
Bollywood personalities and profiles on people making headlines around the word and you have (drum roll please) “The Ravi Report”.
As a seasoned media professional & news journalist for the past decade, I have interviewed & reported on some of the most interesting and news worthy topics, met incredible and engaging personalities from all walks of life, travelled to foreign cities for stories and covered enough red carpet premieres and events to write a book!
Whether it’s a leading A list Hollywood celebrity like the charismatic and charming John Travolta and his beautiful and very gracious wife Kelly Preston at a NY film premiere
Actor John Travolta and Kelly Preston at “Death Sentence” premiere NY
telling me about their latest private airplane ride (he’s a pilot) or where they plan on going to for the holidays or having tea with the world’s most recorded singer (12,000 songs and counting) Asha Bhosle who spoke about her latest projects with foreign singers, her popular restaurants around the world and her love for NY and Broadway, the famous personalities that I have met and interviewed, have been charming, personable and interesting to talk to.
I have learned and explored the world of entertainment and international news by becoming interested in what people are all about and what they have to say. Plain and simple.
A big part of “The Ravi Report” will also feature and cover special events in NYC attended by prominent personalities from all areas of interests who either support their favorite charity or colleague in a film or like to lend their name for a good cause. For example. the annual Charity:Water gala is one of the biggest and most talked about event in NY and is attended by New York’s beautiful, glamorous, generous and the most kind hearted folks you will ever meet. From the red carpet arrivals to the after parties of premieres, charity events, benefits or art show openings, The Ravi Report will bring you the latest interviews , commentary and photos from as many events as possible. In addtion, special benefits, social mixers and celebrity events will all be featured in the report with a different side to what is tradtionally reported or seen in mainstream media. Behind the scenes, special exclusive interviews and the lastest styles in fashions, will all be featured in the blog. But one of the most interesting things about The Report Report is that I hope to bring a mixture of news not only happening in the enteratinment world but also in the business or media world that will be making headlines around the world.
Supermodel Jessica Stam and megastar Adrian Grenier smile for The Ravi Report at the Charity:Water gala in NY.
As a entertainment & features reporter attending and covering numerous events in Manhattan for years, I’ve learned that celebrities, filmmakers, global personalities and supermodels often have a lot to say about their favorite cause or about themselves that they sometimes don’t want to talk about in a “staged interview”. I also find they are more laid back and often show a more personable and humorous side to their personality when being interviewed at a premiere, charity event or film festival.
Michelle Monahan & designer Tom Brown pose for The Ravi Report
I hope you find my blog interesting, exciting, informative and of course newsworthy!
The journey begins…
RAVI