Good Luck Oscar Nominees!!!

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Posted on February 27, 2011 by theravireport

Well, it’s finally that time. The annual Academy Awards.

The best of the best come out to show off their talent, designer clothes, jewellery and beautiful nearly perfect bodies on the red carpet for the world to see and of course criticize (Joan, you listening? LOL).

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards is on tonight on ABC at 8pm (EST) giving the world a look at the creme de la creme in the world of movies and trust me, there were some great movies, roles, music and screenplays that were well worth watching this year.

I hope you all got to watch the films being nominated tonight. I have to be honest, I liked all of them. The Best Picture category includes Black Swan, True Grit, Inception, The Fighter, The Kids Are All Right, The King’s Speech, 127 Hours, The Social Network, Toy Story 3, True Grit and Winter’s Bone.

A film critic for a leading entertainment magazine asked me the other day which picture I thought would win. That is a great question which I have been asked over and over again in the last few weeks. The same goes for Best Actor. But to be honest, I think all the performances and movies were excellent. Seriously. I think everyone that is nominated tonight has done an outstanding job in their role.

Academy Award nominated actor Geoffrey Rush speaking to The Ravi Report

Geoffrey Rush’s acting in “The King’s Speech” simply rocked! The actor is just gifted. Plain and simple. When I met the actor, I saw a humble person who just loved doing what he does best. Rush is one of the finest actors we have today. He continues to shine in films or on stage with his God-given talents and is very gracious to the press.

Regarding the actresses, I will say that Natalie Portman’s performance in “Black Swan” is really incredible.The girl can act! I met Portman over the year on the red carpet and at other events and she is much, much prettier in real life. Nicole Kidman gave a strong and powerful performance in “Rabbit Hole“. It’s a great film .My long time favorite Annette Bening got nominated for her role in “The Kids Are All Right“. Another powerful film.

I will say that one of my favorite actors nominated this year (again folks!) is the multi-talented and super nice actor Jeff Bridges. No matter how busy his guy is, he always makes time to talk to the press and he does so with such grace and charm.

Bridges is nominated this year for his role in “True Grit”. He did an excellent job. Bridges’s ability as an actor gets even more refined as he gets older. He’s also proven a very important point in Hollywood- that despite being a youth-oriented-buffed body industry, the actor has shown that TALENT is the real key to success with his films, nominations and Oscar wins.

: Oscar nominated Jeff Bridges smiles for The Ravi Report

I am also happy for actor James Franco whose film “127 Hours” was among the favorite of many critics this year (even the tough ones!) and the first time nominee is pretty excited and surprised at the win he told me earlier during the year. But should he be? After all, the film director by the brilliant Danny Boyle ( Hello Slumdog Millionaire!!) who usually attaches his names and talent to a script that he knows will bring out the best in whoever he choses to be in his films. “127 Hours” did very well at the box office and besides Franco being nominated for an Oscar For Best Actor in a Leading Role, the film has also grabbed a nomination for Best Picture. Not bad at all for a newcomer!!!

Am I surprised at any of the nominations? Not really . I think everyone who got nominated this year really proved to be outstanding in their given role and based on what I have seen, they truly deserve the nomination for all their hard work, dedication, sacrifices and determination.

My reporter friends are in LA tonight gearing up to report from the red carpet and I am heading to some Oscar parties tonight in NYC to get New Yorkers reaction to who wins and loses. So make sure you watch the Oscars and let’s compare notes after the wins! For more info on the 83rd Academy Awards, go to www.oscar.com for a complete wrap up of all the nominees and tidbits about the most “famous golden statue” there is!!

The Journey continues…..

Ravi

Chef Master Eric Ripert Brings Culinary Inspirations Into The Kitchen

Posted on January 31, 2011 by theravireport

Super star Chef Master Eric Ripert addressing the guests.

Bonjour! I will be the first one to admit it. I’m one of his biggest fans. The food, the preparation and the way he makes his signature sea food dishes look so easy to prepare, it is no wonder that French Chef Master, celebrity judge, author and television host Eric Ripert (rih-pair)is known as the Jack of All Trades and Master of Many in the world of international cuisine. Translation: the guy rocks…plain and simple.

Ripert’s culinary skills are legendary and so are his taste buds. The French-born NY living celebrity chef’s claim to fame started way before any television show or recipe books were written. The Frenchman rose to peak stardom with his amazing talents as Executive Chef and co-owner of one of the most prestigious and distinguished restaurants in the world, Le Bernardin located in Manhattan.

The hot spot often referred to as the “Temple of Seafood” serves the creme de la creme in seafood cuisine and caters to some of the most well know personalities and celebrities around the world. Top ranked consistently by the New York Times for the ultimate dinning experience, Le Bernardin is to fine dinning what the Eifel Tower is to France- an iconic symbol of prestigious, grace and culture. If you are lucky enough to get a reservation and want to experience the “Rolls Royce” in seafood dining, then do check it out www. le-bernardin.com.

Ripert instructs his talented staff on preparation

I recently met Ripert at a special and private press event at the fabulous, energetic and very trendy Anomaly studios run by the talented businessman Justin Barocas in Manhattan last week. The special gathering which introduced Ripert’s popular second season show “Avec Eric” to the press along with his cook book “Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey With Eric Ripert ” (Wiley) named after his show, was one of the most sought after media events of the cold mid-January week. Top editors from prestigious organizations including Luxe. Elle Decor,, O Magazine, Architectural Digest and Interior Design, graciously came to meet their favorite iconic chef and listen to what he had to say about his show, his kitchen and what inspires him to make such delicious food.

The media event was held in a specially designed kitchen influenced by Ripert and his team in the Anamoly studios that serves as the background for his popular television series “Avec Eric”. World home design companies like Poggenpohl, Miele and BLANCO helped design the kitchen with their products and the talented staff from Le Bernardin created some of Ripert’s special dishes and drinks for the guests that attended.

Ravi Yande with world renowned celebrity chef Eric Ripert

“Eric Ripert is an incredible chef with a loyal following around the world,” said one very attractive editor standing in line to get her book signed who said that she became a devoted fan of Ripert since he started his guest appearances as a judge on the popular television series “Top Chef”.

“This book should represent the beginning of your culinary adventures in the kitchen,” explained Ripert.

What I found to be the best part of the book was not only were there stories of how Ripert gets inspired with his work, but also how both the beginner and the advanced cook can both learn the basics and the advanced forms of Ribert’s signature and everyday dishes. Plus, you will be surprised to find out that some of the ingredients that are required to make those delicious dishes may already been in your have spice cabinet!

Ripert gave editors and special invited guests a tour of his kitchen and explained to them why certain products were placed in the designated areas and how a kitchen should be set up for those trying to achieve a comfortable cooking template that feeds the creative process which then fuels the inspiration for your cooking.

Ripert explaining why his kitchen set is so effective for his work.

Ripert was also kind enough to sign his book “Avec Eric: A Culinary Journey With Eric Ripert” (Wiley), a collection of mouth-watering recipes from his culinary journey from Italy to California, that the celebrity chef shared with readers and how his cooking motivated his creative process for his culinary masterpieces. His motto “Great cooking does not have to be complicated” holds true in this book filled with amazing recipes and photos from his travels.

Ripert’s show “Ave Eric” can be seen on the PBS and grab your notebook and pen when you watch it because you may create some culinary action that you didn’t know was in you!

The journey continues….

Ravi

Chef Master Eric Ripert Brings Culinary Inspirations Into The Kitchen

Featured

Posted on January 31, 2011 by theravireport

Super star Chef Master Eric Ripert addressing the guests.

Ripert instructs his talented staff on preparation

Ravi Yande with world renowned celebrity chef Eric Ripert

“This book should represent the beginning of your culinary adventures in the kitchen,” explained Ripert.

Ripert explaining why his kitchen set is so effective for his work.

Ripert’s show “Ave Eric” can be seen on the PBS and grab your notebook and pen when you watch it because you may create some culinary action that you didn’t know was in you!

The journey continues….

Ravi

Lights, Camera & Obama!

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Posted on January 4, 2011 by theravireport

Gorgeous actress Nandana Sen smiles for The Ravi Report

Films! Hotties! More Films! That’s pretty much what the MIAAC Indian Film Festival was all about recently. Marking ten years of bringing the most incredible Indian films to New York City, the South Asian film festival (they introduced “Slumdog Millionaire” to the world by the way) run by the very much-loved and tireless socialite Aroon Shivadasani and her Indo-American Arts Council drew new films, top film stars, directors, producers and thousands of fans to the SVA Theater in Chelsea, NY where fans and journalists got to mingle & meet with the rich and famous from Bollywood during the recent week-long festival.

Stunning Padma Laxmi gives a sexy pose for The Ravi Report

“I waited all year for this event,” said a stunning almond-shaped eyed Indian lady wearing a designer hot red sequenced sheer sari.

Town cars pulled up filled with Bollywood stars and famous personalities from the world of television, film and stage to the theater to sold out shows and anxious people waiting hours to see their favorite actor making an entrance to the theater.

The opening night red carpet premiere was truly like a scene out of a Bollywood film. Beautiful women(a ton of them!), gorgeous silk and gold saris and handsome actors wearing designer Indian outfits came to support what Shivadasani has been doing for the past decade. The festival drew some of the biggest stars from film, TV and the world of literature.

The opening night film “Shor” (Noise) was screened to a sold out crowd with the main actor Tushar Kapoor and sister/producer Ekta Kapoor in attendance.

Film actor Rahul Bose, who’s star status in India is equivalent to about several A Listers in Hollywood came for the premiere of his amazing new film “Japanese Wife” , an emotional film about an Indian man married to a Japanese lady but they never meet during the marriage. I’ve known Bose for years and he has always remained as humble and unassuming since the day I first met him.

Ravi Yande with international star Rahul Bose

“If you do the right kind of cinema, you will get the right kind of audiences,” stated Bose who has been a big advocate of the festival for the past several years.

“I am a big fan of this festival because its off the mainstream radar,” states the award-winning actor with a fan base all over the world. (side bar: during our interview American girls were screaming the actor’s name as he was being interviewed).

Bose has been an intricate part of both Bollywood and independent cinema for years. The much in demand actor has risen from stage to the big screen by carefully selecting roles that have suited him and his talents. His films “English August“, “Everybody Says I’m Fine” and “Before The Rains” (which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2008) have all been box office successes.

In between films, running marathons and representing India in rugby Bose also runs a foundation to help fight against discrimination. Check out his site at www.thefoundation.in

With President Obama recently back from his trip from India, I asked the acclaimed actor what he thought of the trip and its symbolism.

“His (Obama) understanding of India deepened as ours did of him,” commented Bose. The actor also said it was truly a wonderful symbolic gesture for the President to stay in the same Mumbai hotel that was attacked by terrorists two years ago.

Festival special guest actor Sendil Ramamurthy, the superstar from the television series “Heros” and popular film actor, says Obama’s visit was a step in the right direction for both the US and India.

“Getting a permanent placement on the UN Security Council is a great thing for India,” said the actor. Ramamurthy’s was part of the lead in the opening night film “Shor”. Great film by the way folks.

The film festival also brought out well known television stars like “Top Chef” host, model and business woman the gorgeous Padma Laxmi. And folks let me tell you, she is STUNNING and shared with the RR her views on Obama’s recent trip to India. Laxmi lives in NY but travels to India frequently for work.

“I think Obama’s trip was very successful in so many ways,” stated the beauty. ” The UN Security Council is something that India has wanted for a while so the trip was indeed a success,” added the model. Check out Laxmi’s latest updates on www.padmalaxmi.com.

The opening night also included the screening of the multi-talented Indian director Mani Ratnam’s film “Raavan” which sold out days before the opening night.

Ratnam whose Bollywood films have made millions, is known for having the “midas” touch when it comes to making movies but says he still gets apprehensive after each film.

“People think that once you have a hit movie, its smooth sailing from in on out. But it’s anything but!” comments the director exclusively to The Ravi Report.

NY based gorgeous actress Pooja Kumar gets prettier and prettier every time I see her.

“Pooja,Pooja we love you!” shouted a group of male fans as she entered the SVA Theater. The sexy and stylish actress spoke about how Indian films are no longer just the “it” factor.

“We are here to stay. It’s no longer a curiosity. It’s a full fledge speed ahead,” confidently stated the Indian actress.

“Our (Indian)cinema is popular across the world now and people want to be part of it so let’s welcome them in!” smiled the television and film actress. For more on Kumar check out her amazing website www.poojakumar.com

Your heart will definitely skip a beat when you meet Bollywood actress Nandana Sen. Mine sure did. The stunning & talented actress whose film “Autograph” was being screened during the festival, spoke about how the event has become a strong platform for the audiences outside of India.

“I really like this festival because it gives a chance for people to see Indian independent cinema in a way that they would not have access to.” states the actress. Sen says that the festival supports new filmmakers and give them the much needed platform to showcase their work.

Sir. Salman Rashdie has been a long fan of the festival and was one of its biggest supporters from the beginning. He spoke about the longevity of the film festival.

“It was a very small beginning ten years ago and now it’s turned into a large event. You get high quality of films now and the audiences are certainly appreciating it,” stated the world-famous author to The RR.

Rushdie also spoke about the importance of the festival.

“It’s a platform for the non-commercial cinema from India and it’s a platform for Indian people in this country,” stated the award-winning author.

When you see sexy. You know it. Plain and simple. That’s what hot actress Sarita Choudhury breeds when she walks into a room. Any room.

“I waited two hours to see her tonight” stated a young sharply dressed Indian male who told me he has seen all her movies- twice.

Choudhury was very vocal about Obama’s recent trip to India.

“How do I get to the White House?” stated the beautiful actress whose film “Mississippi Masala” (1991) is still talked about in the media circles today.

“I’m serious. I need to speak to Obama about so many issues here that I am dealing with in terms of the misrepresentation of muslims and south asians and the lack of language to talk about these issues to Americans. I feel that we (south asians) are being misrepresented by lack of information. I want to talk to him about that,” stated the concerned New Yorker.

The actress also says that things have changed for South Asians actors- for the good.

“I think the difference now is that if you don’t want there to be a barrier, there isn’t one but you have to be super courageous, talented and you really have to know how to act.”

The journey continues…