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John Varvatos: Jack of All Trades, Master of Many!

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Posted on October 15, 2009 by theravireport

He’s got a keen eye for fashion and sharp ears for discovering new rock bands. He hosts a popular radio show and runs a charity that has raised thousands of dollars for children of sexual abuse. World famous fashion designer John Varvatos wears many hats and is loving every second of it!

Superstar mens designer John Varvatos speaking with guests

I’ve been a long time fan of Varvatos and have followed his work and his collections for years so when The Ravi Report caught up with the famous designer with the Midas touch at a private event at Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan recently where Varvatos was launching his new shop inside the upscale store, I wanted to find how this dedicated family man manages to balance his passions and still finds time to have fun in the process. I found the acclaimed designer to be humble, polite and very passionate about his work. The party rocked by the way.

“We make clothes that guys feel comfortable in. Very masculine and stylish,” stated the well liked designer who favors the color black and is known for his hip rock & rock fashion sensibility.

Surrounded by family, well wishes and fans, Varvatos revealed where the concepts for his collections and ideas come from.

“The creativity really comes from the passion to keep moving on. From the streets of Paris or watching an old movie and it’s never the same place that’s for sure!” explains the savvy businessman.

Varvatos’s collections are masculine yet classic and popular around the world.

His trend setting, rockstar-ish and stylish clothes have been popular with men for years creating a strong buzz around the world. Celebrities including Hugh Jackman are fans as are many of todays professional men who feel their wardrobe would be incomplete without a suit, vest or pants from the Varvatos’s collection. The perfectly cut suits, slender pants or relaxed vests have all been hugely successful for the Detroit born designer.

Varvatos says that designing has always been an intricate part of who he is. From his days of working at Ralph Lauren to present day award-winning designer, he says he has always been interested in fashion and style. Whether it’s shoes, a new collection or creating a new fragrance, Varvatos says he is always thinking of new ways and ideas to expand his brand even during the recession which hasn’t affected his business as much he said.

“Thank God we are doing well but everybody has been hurt by it in some sort of way. We have been lucky in that our products and line have done well and I feel very blessed.” said the designer who first premiered in 2000.

Honored three times by the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work including Menswear Designer of the Year 2005, Varvatos also has a loyal and massive following in India especially with Bollywood stars. His clothes are often worn to film parties and premiere by stars and producers. Varvatos has a soft spot for the majestic country.

Varvatos and daughter Thea pose exclusively for The Ravi Report

Varvatos and daughter Thea smile for The Ravi Report

“I loved India when I went. It’s an amazing place. The culture, the people, the color, it’s a visual orgasm!” smiles the world traveller.

His popular Converse by John Varvatos sneakers have been a hit all over the world with everyone from rock stars to celebrities sporting them. His association with the company has turned the shoe into a global fashion statement. His brand also includes eyewear, skin products for and men and women and a new fragrance for men.

Despite having his plate full and often being pulled in many different directions, Varvatos puts his beautiful 14 month old daughter Thea as his top priority and often brings her to events, work and on his trips.

“She has been a calmly part of my life. I used to get to work around 7am, now I get to work a little later and spend time with my daughter in the morning” boasts the proud father who likes to spend his weekends with his baby and beautiful wife Joyce. Varvatos has two children in their early 20s from a previous marriage.

Anyone who knows Varvatos also knows that his love for music is as much as part of his DNA as is designing.

John Varatos & Ravi Yande smile for The Ravi Report

John Varvatos & Ravi Yande pose exclusively for The Ravi Report

“Music has always been a part of my life and always will” says the fashion icon whose radio show “Born in Detroit” on Sirius XM satellite radio has a huge following. One of his favorite bands is Alberta Cross.

The John Varvatos Bowery store in Manhattan which used to be the home for the iconic rock club CBGB, has become a historical place for music fans. With rich musically history still embedded in the store walls, visitors can get a chance to experience and see what the world of rock and roll was like through the memorabilia still kept in tack from the days of the club. Varvatos says the store keeps music alive and says that it’s been about discovering new bands and singers and sharing those discoveries with the world.

The multi-talented family man has contributed a great deal to the world of fashion and music by adding a mixtures of style and rock and roll.

“I’m just trying to have a little fun along the way” smiles the millionaire.

And he certainly is.

The journey continues…

Ravi

New York City Celebrated Fashion Week With Style & Finesse

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Posted on September 22, 2009 by theravireport

It was certainly a busy week folks. Fashion Week was indeed time consuming with runway shows and events that kept most of us media people so occupied, that we had very little time to cover anything else that was going on in the city. Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2009 was once again a terrific event and of course the in-depth coverage like who wore what, what A lister sat where & who attended what shows can all be seen on many of the fashion blogs and FW websites that have been inundated with reports and images from the shows and parties. For show coverage I like www.thefashionlist.com.

But the one thing this year that I really enjoyed covering and attending was Fashion’s Night Out celebration of Fashion Week in NY. Hundreds of upscale stores turned their shopping venue into a night time party complete with DJ and complimentary drinks to show their appreciation to all the patrons who supported them through these tough times.

From the trendy and swanky Soho district stores to the fashionable and popular Meatpacking area famously known for “The Sex & The City” filming and celebrity sightings, almost every area of Manhattan celebrated the week long event with a party.

DJ cocktail party at the Theory store was one of the many fashion parties during Fashion Week 2009

Sexy taxi girls were waiting outside the stores to assist guests in getting cabs to other parties.

Beautiful models served champagne to guests during the parties.

The Theory store located in the Meatpacking district in lower Manhattan indeed was one of the hottest fashion parties. Complete with DJ and models, guests sipped drinks and mingled amongst the fashion elite celebrating the debut of Fashion Week with dance and music. Tory Burch was also another great party filled with models & musicians. Most stores offered special complimentary drinks which included champagne, rum and vodka and many of the guests that I spoke to said that it felt like a glamorize pub crawl except with beautiful people and fashion models in attendance. A stunning model wearing Versace waiting for a cab outside the Tory Burch store said that Fashion Week felt more festive this year with the stores providing parties for those people who could not get into the shows at the Bryant Park tents.

Another exciting part of the week long event was the opening of the new & sexy lounge La Pomme (“the apple” in French) in Manhattan. (www.lapommenyc.com)

La Pomme gives guests a mysterious look into the nightlife in NY with 20 ft high murals by celeb photograher Fadil Barisha.

The event which was hosted by the beautiful & talented actress Reshma Shetty from the hit television series “Royal Pains” was a fundraising gala for City Harvest (www.cityharvest.com) and it drew the creme de la creme of NY. Top medical experts, models, publishers, news media folks and well known business leaders attended the classy party.

The new lounge features exotic and mysterious interiors according to owner Tommy Tardie, a talented business man & former owner of the club Ultra, says New Yorkers will appreciate his concept and the show appeal the place will have to New Yorkers.

Performance Art is also part of La Pomme's unique concept

” We are giving an upscale lounge environment to New Yorkers in a very Great Gatsby mixed with a Stanley Kubrick kind of way,” says Tardie. The lounge will also feature weekly performance art shows with some of the top artists in the city.

Tardie said these ongoing tough economic times didn’t affect his plans to open at all. “You have to be resourceful. You have to learn how to make it happen and work with a great team which I have been so fortunate to have had,” says the former creative director in advertising.

Shetty is even more impressive in person then she is on television. Warm, friendly and very excited about being on one of the top rated shows on the USA Network so far this television season, she spoke candidly about her first television series & how Asian Indian faces are becoming more accepting now in mainstream Shetty plays the the role of Divya Katdare, a physician assistant to Dr. Hank Lawson played by the talented actor Mark Feuerstein.

” I am so thankful everyday and the cast is so talented that I have to pinch myself at times!” said the beautiful actress. Shetty believes the show is doing well because everyone works together as a team and says that the concept-conceirge doctor for hire really sets itself apart from the other medical shows on television.

Stunning actress Reshma Shetty co-hosted the opening night.

Shetty, 31, is from London & grew up with Bollywood culture but doesn’t like to be stereotyped in any way when it comes to roles she is offered. “Being an Indian actress is not important to me as being a good actress is” she says. The sexy television star says that even though an Indian face is much more recognized in the UK then it is in the US , she is happy to see that South Asian actors now are slowly making their way into mainstream media. Shetty who has done theater and tv nows wants to add another groove on her resume and is so ready for the next step- films.

“As an actress I am used to theater and tv so now, I am ready for films and I want to do inspirational roles” The New York based actress says that if Bollywood did come calling, she would consider it as long as the story line was powerful. Tom Hanks and Dustin Hoffman would be ideal co-stars for her if she went Hollywood.

Reshma Shetty poses with Ravi Yande for The Ravi Report

The recent news of the passing of actor Patrick Swayze made Shetty sad because she said she watched “Dirty Dancing” a dozen times growing up and was in awe of the actor’s ability as a dancer and actor.

“He was incredible and so talented. I feel Hollywood has indeed lost a great talent.” said Shetty.

Actor Jeff Goldblum & Ravi Yande pose for The Ravi Report

As Fashion Week came to an end, I was heading to my last event when I met the well known actor Jeff Goldblum. Known to the world as “The Fly” (1986) Goldblum starred in some of the most highest grossing films in Hollywood. “Independence Day” (1996) “Jurassic Park” (1993), “Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997) and “Adam Resurrected” (2009) are just a few of Goldblum’s popular films. The Pittsburg born actor is now on the highly successful television show “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”playing the role of detective Zach Nicolas most recently on the hit television series. The twice married star has been seen lately on the party scene with the usually beautiful ladies and the polite and well liked actor is now on the rise of becoming the next big television star.

For those of you that have not seen “Adam Resurrected”,I highly recommend that you see this intensely emotional drama in which Goldblum plays the role of asylum resident in Israel in the 1960s. The critics praised Goldblum’s work and you will see the kind of raw talent that this actor brings to this powerful film.

Striking Simla beaded necklace by designer Matthew Williamson

On a quick note I want to thank all the great pr people and fashion houses that helped out The Ravi Report this season with show access, interviews, updates and backstage access. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and their relentless dedication to their craft and for assisting The Ravi Report this fashion season.

The journey continues…

Ravi

Bollywood Superstar’s Detainment: Racial Profiling or Publicity Stunt?

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Posted on August 17, 2009 by theravireport

My phone kept ringing and text messages kept coming in until my phone couldn’t hold them anymore.

“Shah Rukh Khan’s been held at Newark Airport” wrote one person. “Did the “Tom Cruise” of India get racially profiled?” asked one reader. “I think everyone in America will now see “My Name Is Khan” Great pr for the film!” wrote one person referring to Khan’s new film releasing shortly. The text/phone messages pretty much contained the same premise: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had been detained last Friday at Newark International Liberty Airport in New Jersey by the United States Custom & Board Protection and according to the star was racially profiled because of his last name being of Muslim origin. This of course prompted outrage from the Bollywood Fraternity as well as emails from my journalist/media friends from India asking me what my thoughts were and how people in NY were reacting to this ” incident”.

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan says his recent detainment at Newark airport had to do with racial profiling.

Well for starters and of course no disrespect to the mega talented star Shah Rukh Khan, I think New Yorkers have much more to think about right now (healthcare policy, recession, job security, etc) then to focus on why a multi-millionaire Indian movie star was detained at Newark airport. Also, the word ” incident” would probably not be my first choice in describing what happened to the superstar nor does it lessen in value in what did happen to him, but I wouldn’t use that particular word to describe the news story.

From what news reports are saying, Newark airport officials were following protocol when Khan’s name flashed up on their screen and asked the movie star to step aside for questioning which many if not all of us have gone through at one point or another when travelling abroad. According to one report by AP, the iconic Indian film star was en route to Chicago for an India Day Parade when he was stopped for questioning. After being held for some time (Khan has gone on record as saying it was a few hours while Custom officials have targeted the time to being closer to an hour) and after making some phone calls to some important people in India and the Indian Consulate in NY, Khan was released .

Khan may not be a household name in America but over the past several years, the multi-talented gifted actor has certainly created a global following and made national headlines for his films outside of India. Attending film premiers in NY, shooting movies in America, debuting his film “Devdas” at the Cannes Film Festival and constant appearances on CNN and BBC has certainly given Khan global notoriety and is one of the few Bollywood filmstars to have achieved it. His sold out Elvis Presley style stage shows and his blockbuster films rake in millions around the world. His recent appearance as a presenter at the Golden Globes Awards along side “Slumdog Millionaire” superstar Freida Pinto watched by a global audience of millions validates the fact that the iconic 44 year old Indian actor has indeed a mass appeal outside of India.

But he is still unknown to Americans.

What happened to Khan at Newark airport was seen as shocking to some and standard procedure to others. Within minutes the news spread like wildfire.

“Bollywood Star Held At Newark Airport” wrote the New York Daily News and “Questioning a Bollywood VIP” headlined the New York Times. So like any good blogger, The Ravi Report took to the streets of the Big Apple and asked what people thought of the news story.

“Who is Khan?” said one very pretty Asian girl sitting in Starbucks in midtown. “I don’t know who he is. If the custom officials had no idea either, why should he get special treatment? He’s not a foreign diplomat or a Security Official. He’s a visitor in America”.

“He is a huge superstar & worshipped in his own country and that’s great…but in America, he’s just a traveller like the rest of us” said one very cute & sexy blond who actually had seen some of Khan’s films at a recent film festival .

A few I spoke to however were a bit skeptical.

“I think it’s all a specially designed marketing plan for his new film “My Name is Khan”. When his movie opens everyone will go see it because of what happened to him” said an Indian cab driver.

“I think it’s all great pr for his new film. I mean come on, you couldn’t pay someone to get that kind of pr. People all over the world know about his new film now.” commented one very attractive Indian lady wearing a peacock blue silk sari coming from the India Independence Day parade where the news had spread like wildfire she said.

As I continued to ask people who were exiting the India Day parade, I was surprised to hear that many in fact believed that the news story was to drum up publicity for Khan’s upcoming movie which ironically happens to be based on the exact same theme of what happened to the superstar. Khan’s new film recently finished shooting in America and is scheduled to be released later this year. The film’s premise is about racial profiling Indian Muslims living in America after the 9/11 attacks.

People I spoke to also said that since Sept. 11, Khan has travelled outside of India many times for film premieres & sold out stage shows often travelling months at a time in the US from airport to airport and never did he or his team complain of any mistreatment or racial profiling by US officials to the news.

The Bollywood megastar has yet to be interviewed on television about the incident (as of this writing Khan was on his way to back to India) so we will have to wait to hear what he has to say about his treatment at Newark airport. To date, custom officials at Newark International Liberty Airport have not commented further except for a statement that has been released to the press stating that Mr. Khan was questioned for about an hour and was detained a bit longer due to his luggage getting lost.

The journey continues…
Ravi

United Nations Combines Culture and Wildlife in “Shared Destiny” Photo Exhibit.

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Posted on July 6, 2009 by theravireport

The UN welcomes culture & art together through wildlife photographs

Picture this. A room full of beautiful people. Some dressed elegantly in exotic and traditional outfits while others are in trademark & stylish Chanel black cocktail dresses lingering among the most amazing photos of wildlife in the world.

A diverse array of guests attended the “Shared Destiny” opening at the UN Headquarters

Let me first start off by saying this is one captivating photo exhibit that you are not going to want to miss. Seriously folks. Make your way to the United Nations Headquarters before July 12 to see one of the most amazing wildlife exhibits you will ever see on this side of the east coast. Filled with images from Africa and the Arctic, two of the world’s most famous photographers have come together to bring awareness in help protecting animals around the world.

The Harp seal smiles for Nigel Barker.

Internationally known celebrity, photographer & personal friendNigel Barker along with acclaimed author and gifted photographer Luo Hong collaborated together with the United Nations to bring a thought provoking photographic exhibition called “Shared Destiny: Wildlife from Africa to the Arctic.”

It is an EXCELLENT photo exhibit showcasing some of the most beautiful and innocent animals in the world.

The Ravi Report attended the opening reception on World Environment Day a few weeks ago along with hundreds of well wishers and fans of the photographers who waited months for the exhibit to open.

Bollywood Icon Amitabh Bachchan being honored at the UN as Goodwill Ambassador

As an international journalist & producer, I’ve been covering and attending cultural events at the United Nations for several years and I always have learned so much more about the world from meeting different groups of people. In 2005 when Bollywood iconic movie legend Amitabh Bachchan was given the honor of Goodwill Ambassador, I was there front row and center watching the special moment that brought India and the UN together through Bollywood.

This exhibit was no different. It brought countries together through the lenses of Barker and Hong. Both individuals have been admired and respected for years for their work so this exhibit was just an extention of their talents. I spoke to a few guests who have been following the careers of Barker and Hong and they said that they were quite familiar with their work and their passion for the preservation of wildlife.

Gifted photgrapher Luo Hong being interviewed by the foreign & UN press

In a full blown art gallery type of display, the show depicts some of most intimate moments of the beautiful seals, penguins, polar bears, giraffes and other wildlife that Barker and Hong captured on their expedition. The collaborated efforts from two of the world’s most sought after photographers was much more than just an exhibit, it was more of bringing together culture, international dialogue and the importance of preservation of wildlife around the world.

Giraffes from the African wildlife by Luo Hong

“I am so happy to see that people from all over the world have come to see this” said a stunning Indian lady admiring the photos while fixing her silk sari standing next to the foreign press interviewing Hong.

Both Barker and Hong sent out a very important message with their work through the help of the United Nations – that safety, respectability and environmental protection of animals is something that we can all help in preserving making it a safer planet for these beautiful creatures to live on. That message came across loud and clear with many of the guests who also felt the same sentiments echoed in the exhibition.

“I can’t believe anyone would want to harm these beautiful animals” said one concerned guest who was familiar with both photographers work through their careers.

World famous lensman Nigel Barker smiles for The Ravi Report

Another guest who had followed Barker and his work with the seals through the Humane Society last year, said that she and others were interested in how these animals are being treated and in what way could she and her friends get involved in trying to help bring awareness to the issue of saving the wildlife.

“I have always loved animals and totally understand and appreciate what Barker and Hong are doing with their work and dedication to animals. ” she commented.

“Shared Destiny: Wildlife From Africa to the Arctic” exhibit runs through July 12, 2009. The location of the show the United Nations Headquarters Visitors Entrance on 46st and 1st Avenue. It’s free to the public. A MUST SEE FOLKS!! Make this part of your summer things to do list.

The Journey continues…

Ravi

Michael Jackson: Superstar, Icon, Brother, Father & Son Will Be Missed.

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Posted on June 29, 2009 by theravireport

I was in Manhattan at an media event when the news broke that the King of Pop Michael Jackson had died. Just hours earlier on the same day, I learned that the actress Farah Fawcett had given in to her long term battle with anal cancer. The news of the iconic entertainer was shocking mainly because I don’t recall Jackson ever being sick or fighting a long term illness that was publically known.

So I thought how could this be? Michael Jackson? Are you sure? Wasn’t he just recently in the news about making a comeback with a tour?

People on the streets of Manhattan were in shock the day the news broke. Some were even crying as they read their blackberries and were talking on their phones. One person had his faced covered with his hands as he was reading the shocking news on the computer in a local cafe.

“He was so young…so talented..what a huge loss” the gentleman said in disbelief over the news.

It was true. Superstar Michael Jackson was dead at 50.

I still couldn’t believe it. Just a few days prior, I was listening to his songs and was looking forward to his comeback tour. His “Thriller” album and his “We Are The World” music video are my favorites. As a youngster, I remember reading about his trips to my hometown of Princeton, NJ when he was dating Brooke Shields who was a student at the University in the mid 80’s.

“I can’t believe it. I’m still in shock” said one young & beautiful girl standing outside Starbucks on 5th Ave with her friends.

Within seconds the social media tools that we all have come to love and depend on got on it and the news spread like a California wildfire within minutes jamming servers and slowing down the transport.

Michael Jackson graces the cover of 1984 People Magazine. (from The Ravi Report magazine archives)

The next day, every news outlet known to mankind covered the story. People were in shock and frankly, they still are.

“This is just awful” said one young college girl as she was reading the newspaper trying to hold back tears. Her sentiments were felt all over the shop that were selling the news of Jackson’s sudden death. They had sold out of the newspapers within minutes said the owner.

Michael Jackson was a world famous superstar no matter how you look at it. His music, his voice, his trademark way of moon dancing on stage, his music videos and his controversial & theatrical lifestyle all contributed to his larger then life personality.

But who really was Michael Jackson? A superstar who sold millions of albums? A pop icon who entertained millions with his voice and dance? Or a troubled soul who just wanted to make music and be left alone to live life on his own terms. Despite all these “experts” who claim to know what the entertainer was all about, we will always be guessing.

While his iconic image became tarnished over the years for his lifestyle choices, dramatic facial transformations and other issues in his private life which eventually led to his seclusion in a foreign country, Jackson still had a large & loyal following who believed in his talents and ability to make music. Many were even anticipating his comeback as a possible way for him to be back on top of the music charts that once made him rich and famous.

“Michael hadn’t had a hit in a long time so this comback tour would have been great for him”. said one beautiful Asian girl as she was turning the pages of the NY Post that read “Michael Jackson: King of Pop Dead.”

As I strolled down 5th Avenue even further, I saw more and more people reading the headlines about how one of the world’s most famous singer could all of a sudden be no more.

“I really feel like the world has lost something special” said a middle aged Spanish lady with tears in her eyes. “There will be no one else like him. Ever.” she added.

In fact Jackson was preparing and working hard day and night according to media reports for his tour starting next month. Pictures have even surfaced of him passionately dancing while practicing on stage for his tour two days before his death.

Jackson also loved India and its culture. The feeling was mutual. The star was often imitated in Bollywood films with his style of dancing and looks. Indian dance directors would choreograph songs to his music and top Bollywood stars would copy his looks and way of dressing in films and in public. When Jackson performed in India in 1996 to a sold out crowd of thousands, he said he loved the culture and often talked about it in the press. One of his dance videos even has Indian sari wearing dancers performing traditional “kathak” dance steps to his music. Many of my contacts in Bollywood sent emails saying that they were sad at the sudden demise of the superstar.

As the world continues to absorb the news and as more and more stories will surface in the coming weeks about how Jackson died, what condition he died in & who will be responsible for his children and wealth, some of us may want to know the answers while others will just say “Rest In Peace Michael. We hope you had a great ride.”

The next time I hear Michael Jackson’s music playing loudly in a club, radio or on TV, I will think of someone who made the world happy and sad at the same time.

The journey continues….but for Michael Jackson it ended on June 25, 2009.

Ravi

MoMA Welcomes “The New India” Film Festival.

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Posted on June 12, 2009 by theravireport

The Museum of Modern Art loves Indian films! In 2007 the world renowned museum did a tremendous job with “India Now” a week long film festival showcasing the best of Indian films & documentaries. MoMa does an encore presentation this year with many of the top independent, short and Bollywood films from India in “The New India,” a unique and exciting & ongoing Indian film festival presented by the Museum of Modern Art until June 18 2009 www.moma.org.

Indian film iconic actor Naseerudhin Shah mingles with guest at MoMA's The New India film festival

Indian iconic actor Naseeruddin Shah mingles with guest at The New India film festival

The festival includes 16 films (8 of them being NY releases) and includes top Bollywood and provacative and social issues seriously affecting India including AIDS, political corruption, terrorist attacks & exploitation of child.

The opening night of the festival premiered with the film “Yes, Madam, Sir” (www.yesmadamsir.com) a profile look at Dr. Kiran Bedi, the first woman and high ranking police official and one of the most revered social activist in India today. Dr. Bedi was present during the screening.

Academy Award winning director Megan Mylan’s film ‘Smile Pinki” (www.SmilePinki.com) a heart wrenching story about a beautiful Indian girl born with cheiloschisis commonly know as cleft lip, whose life changes dramatically after getting surgery. Mylan won the 2008 Oscar for Best Documentary.

The selection process was a bit tough say festival officials especially for a country that produces the most films in the world (1000 plus) and in several different languages.

“It was very challenging to pick films for this festival because we had seen over 200 films and the process is very demanding but at the end,you have to select the best ones you can and hope audiences will be receptive” stated the guest curator Uma De Cuhna, an acclaimed Indian film festival organizer for US audiences for the past several years.

De Cuhna collaborated closely with MoMa’s renowned Associate Curator Josh Siegel from the Dept. of Film and together they worked for over a year and the fruits of their labor have proven to be successful. The comments & reaction from audiences and the mostly sold out screenings this year were the results of their hard work and dedication to Indian cinema.

De Cuhna also stated that despite the immense talent in the art films and independent films, the vast majority of interest from audiences at the festivals still stems from where it all beings- Bollywood.

“Where ever our festivals are, people always like to see Bollywood films. I guess it’s the lively human spirit in the films & the songs and dances that attracts them these films and with so much going on now in the world people are just enjoying Bollywood films even more” says the guest curator.

Beautiful actress & director Nandita Das is all smiles for The Ravi Report on the success of her film “Firaaq” shown at the “The New India” film festival.

Personally, De Cunha does believe independent films bring out the raw talent of many Indian actors that often get caught up in the glitz and glamour of a big budgeted blockbuster and says she even prefers to watch regional & art movies where actors are seen in their finest and more realistic moments then a fantasy filled Bollywood thriller.

“The New India”festival so far included special appearances by top Indian film stars including Nandita Das who presented her directorial debut “Firaaq” (www.firaaq.com) which was screened to a sold out audience, Abay Deol,a popular young Bollywood star whose film “Oye Lucky, Lucky Oye” was received well and one of the most iconic stars of Indian cinema, Naseeruddin Shah and his amazing film “ A Wednesday!” (www.awednesdaythefilm.com)

Shah has won more prestigious awards and has given some of the best performances in Bollywood and art films in his career as a top actor. At 59 and with over three decades of acting in Indian films behind him, Shah is one of the most sought after stars in Indian cinema today and the most respected. His leap into Hollywood with films like “Monsoon Wedding” (2001) and “The League of Extraordinary Gentleman” (2003) with actor Sean Connery has been nothing but welcoming from the western audiences, prompting Hollywood to take a closer look at this National Award winning gifted actor.

Legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah and Ravi Yande at The New India film festival.

Directed and produced by Neeraj Pandey, “A Wednesday!” focuses on the daily hardships & corruptions the common man in India faces and the repercussions that happen when his life is threatened.

” I took to the script because it shows the everyday struggles of the common man in India which is so difficult” said the National Award winning star.

Shah said he did a first read without stopping (something he has never done before in his career he says) and knew right away it was for him. The film was made on a “sandal string budget” Shah told the packed audience before the screening and it has done incredibly well in India and abroad. The iconic actor is not modest about the success of the film at all.

“I was not surprised at all. When I take a film I don’t bother about the box office potential. I take films purely on instinct. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t but I knew right away this film would do well” states the award winning actor.

Regarding changes in the way films are being made these days in Bollywood, Shah believes that non-formula Indian films are getting better and the reason being that the younger generation of producers & directors are not only making films but they are “living them”.

“These kids nowadays write a good story because they experience it. They live it, they breath it and that is applied to today’s smart script development” boasts the actor.

“Luck By Chance” which was shown earlier on in the festival, focuses on the immense struggles & competition of achieving stardom in Bollywood.

“It’s nice to be able to see a Bollywood film and an art film all in the same festival” said Indian movie fan Jessica who came from Queens, NY dressed in a bright red Indian tunic.

“The New India” film festival is ongoing until June 18, 2009. For tickets/shows/special screenings log onto www.moma.org for a full list. The exhibition is made possible by Marguerite and Kent Charugundla from the incredible Tamarind Art Council www.tamarindarts.org.

The journey continues…

Ravi

Profile Of The Week: Acclaimed Artist Chuck Close

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Posted on June 4, 2009 by theravireport

Let me first begin by saying how truly grateful I am with the enormous amount of response & support that I have been receiving from all of you regarding The Ravi Report over the past few months. Many of you have taken the time out to personally email me sharing comments & making suggestions regarding future stories. One particular & repeated request that keeps being mentioned is doing more profiles on the interesting people I meet and for giving a bit more details about specific & upcoming events and galas. I’ve decide to take your ideas and comments and start a new section called “Profile Of The Week.” I will try to feature on a weekly basis people and personalities that have made a difference in the world and have influenced others along the way. I hope to bring interesting and thought provoking interviews that will hopefully inspire others to live their life to the fullest in every which way they can.

So let me begin this new section with one individual whom I recently met and who has influenced the world of art with his God given talent and has become a vital part of the world of art for decades. He has ignored all obstacles, struggles & hardships that life sometimes unexpectedly throws our way and persevered his love for art through sheer talent, dedication and determination.

Artist Chuck Close at his opening show at the Pace Wildenstein Gallery, NY

Chuck Close. That name alone can send chills up your spine. The incredibly gifted American painter and artist known to the world as a “photorealist” recently had his NY show opening at the world famous Pace Wildenstein gallery (www.pacewildenstein.com) in Manhattan (Chelsea) and let me tell you one thing, the man has immense talent and is indeed one of the finest artist we are so fortunate to have among us today. The finest.

Close has for decades made a name for himself with his brilliant massive size self portraits those of celebrities and famous personalities. Born in 1940, the world famous artist is known for his larger then life size portraits using the method of transposing photographic images onto canvas with a polychromatic grid making them appear from a distance as a visual masterpiece.

Self Portrait of Close is part of the “Selected Paintings & Tapestries 2005-2009” collection

Close’s life came to to a sudden change when in 1988, he experienced what he refers to as “The Event”. The brilliant artist had a spinal blood clot which left him a quadriplegic. Some critics and fans thought his career was over. He proved both them and the world wrong. With a paint brush fastened between his teeth, his photos and portraits of subjects were gridded off by his assistants then Close used his mouth brush to paint, using the techniques called Grisalle- a painting technique that focuses on using grey tints in images and also the process called Pointillism– where a white background is covered with tiny dots that are painted on a canvass that when seen from a distance produce an image within the grids resulting in a canvas filled with mini-paintings which when from a far, are seen as a single image.

Close has a world wide followings is also a favorite among celebrities and was requested by actor Brad Pitt to take his photos for the cover of W Magazine 2009 which by the way is part of his current show at the gallery.

Actor & Producer Brad Pitt is one of many celebrities that admire Close’s work.

What I found most interesting and fascinating about Close was his inner drive to pursue his passion for art no matter what the circumstances. At the recent opening of his show, the crowd and devoted fans gathered around the world famous artist for autographs and posed for pictures as if he were a rockstar.

During the reception, people from all over NY came to meet the artist and his work. The gallery was packed wall to wall with devoted fans. “I am so thrilled to have finally met him,” said a stunning brunette carrying Close’s book in her hand.

“I cancelled a date and boy, am a glad I did, ” commented one sexy art fan carrying images of Close to be autographed.

“I have followed his work for years. I truly blessed that he is here in person today,” said one beautiful actress and part time model.

The Chuck Close Selected Paintings & Tapestries 2005-2009 is currently on display until June 20 at the Pace Wildenstein Gallery www.pacewildenstein.com.

Chuck Close poses exclusively for The Ravi Report

highly recommend this show and you will see for yourself how incredible this artist is and the contribution he has made to the world of art and culture first hand. Not to be missed!

The journey continues…Ravi

Tribeca Film Festival:Closing Night Celebrates “My Life In Ruins”.

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Posted on May 4, 2009 by theravireport

Red carpet entrance to the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival has ended and I do hope that many of you had a chance to attend the incredible festival this year that included first time screenings, opening night celebrity filled premieres and award winning documentaries and short films. Most of my friends who went had a great time watching new documentaries, meeting celebrities, directors, producers and actors. Co-founded in 2002 by legendary & twice Academy Award winning actor Robert De Niro (The Godfather II & The Raging Bull) and highly acclaimed & brilliant producer Jane Rosenthal, the festival has over the years proven to be one of the most popular and prominent film festivals around the world.

I unfortunately got caught up in some projects this year so I was unable to go to many of the events. But luckily I had the time to attend the closing night red carpet premiere for the much anticipated movie “My Life In Ruins” (produced by Tom Hank’s Playtone Production Company) starring Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, Greek

Festival Co-Founder and Academy Award winning actor Robert Di Nero along with lovely wife Grace Hightower smiles at The Ravi Report.

Festival Co-Founder and Academy Award winning actor Robert Di Nero along with lovely wife Grace Hightower smiles for The Ravi Report.

superstar Alexis Georgoulis and

Rachel Dratch. You will truly enjoy it! The film is director by extremely talented actor turned director Donald Petrie (“Mystic Pizza” & “How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days”). The guy has some serious talent folks!Many of you are already familiar with Vardalos. How could you not. I mean please. Her incredible & astonishing 2002 film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” which the Greek actress both wrote and starred in has been seen over and over again my millions.

Actress Nia Vardolas at the premiere of her film "My Life in Ruins"

Actress Nia Vardalos at the premiere of her film “My Life in Ruins”

Who can forget that the movie proved to be the highest grossing comedy film of 2002 putting the actress on the map and making her an instant overnight sensation. So naturally “My Life in Ruins” in which Vardolas plays an unhappy Greek tour guide who has lost her “mojo” in life and is trying to find it was in fact the talk of the festival which was attended by celebrities and hundreds of fans of who wanted to see how the 46 year old actress got her mojo back! (I personally think she never lost it!)

Vardalos was looking Hollywood glamorous indeed at the premiere. “Wow” shouted one fan. “She looks so beautiful” said a sexy brunette waiting in line to get the actress’s autograph. Vardalos completely transformed herself into a glamorous and sexy movie star with all the trimmings of an Hollywood actress.

The talented actress spoke to The Ravi Report about the making of her film and how after all these years, it’s still been a family oriented career for her.

Ravi Yande with Nia Vartolas at the red carpet press area.

Ravi Yande with actress Nia Vardalos at the red carpet premiere of “My Life In Ruins”.

RR:Nia, you look terrific. Thanks so much for your time and congrats on the film.

NV: Thanks so much. I’m pretty excited.

RR: What excites you the most about your new film?

NV:For me, the hardest films to make are the ones that are so worth it at the end. You have to test your drive like we did we this film.We were trying to get permission to shoot at the ancient ruins in Greece and it was so tough for us, so it made us work that much harder on the script, hone it and make the budget affordable and we did and it all turned out well at the end.

RR: The incredible success of your film “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” made history in Hollywood. Seven years later, people are still watching the film and loving it. Is that a tough act to follow with your future work?

NV:(laughs). Well for me, I think ok..that already happened so now I can concentrate more on other projects and things so I can be “been there…done that” (more laughs).

Vardolas also went on to speak to reporters about how she is teaching her newly adopted daughter the importance of family values and how having a close knit family for herself is vitally important in life and in her career.

Co-Founder of The Tribeca Film Festival Jane Rosenthal talking to the press

Of course besides her movie, the talk of the red carpet was Vardalos’s new sensational look.

RR:Ok…so from cute actress to sexy siren. How did you do it?

NV: I know!!! (Laughs in excitement) I designed my own program and in one sentence I will say this. I broke up with cheese!

Despite the on going recession and other recent public concerns, fans came out in droves to the festival this year. Most of the screenings I heard about were sold out and the Q&A afterwards with stars and directors were standing room only. De Niro & Rosenthal and their team of dedicated staff members do an OUTSTANDING job every year and continue to face new challenges as the festival grows in attendance and in film entries.

Director of "My Life In Ruins" gives two thumbs up to The Ravi Report!

Director Donald Petrie of “My Life In Ruins” gives two thumbs up to The Ravi Report!

If you missed it this year, I highly recommend that you make Tribeca Film Festival one of the top ten things to do in 2010.

“My Life In Ruins” opens nationwide on June 5.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/mylifeinruins

The Journey continues…

Ravi

www.raviyande.com

SUSAN BOYLE SHOCKS SIMON COWELL AND THE WORLD AT THE SAME TIME.

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Posted on April 16, 2009 by theravireport

I came home last night and in my inbox were a ton of emails from friends asking me why I haven’t blogged yet about Susan Boyle.

Who? I innocently asked.

I read through their emails and soon realized why they had asked me that question. Susan Boyle will shock you as she did me, the judges on the hit show “Britain’s Got Talent” and pretty much the world. Shock you. I mean really, honestly shock you. Completely from left field. Just shock you. Got it?

The 47 year old unemployed church volunteer recently got a chance to fulfill a life long dream of singing on stage and got a chance to prove herself on the hit show in front of millions. The single lady who lives with her cat Pebbles (aww) has been singing since the age of 12 and she said she always wanted to be a professional singer but family obligations and tending to her ailing mother prevented her from doing so. Her mother recently passed away and Boyle thought about going on the show. Little did she & the world know that her destiny & life would change forever once she sang on the show.

When the simple looking Boyle came out on stage, well you can just imagine what happened next but I’ll tell you anyway.

Mockery. Plain and simple. The singer was greeted with that universal look of “Here comes another reality show star wannabe. ” Boy, did she prove them wrong!

In this present day and age where being beautiful and wrinkle free seems more important than breathing, where wearing expensive designer clothing and name brand cosmetics are more crucial than having a pulse, Susan Boyle was in fact being thrown to the tigers and famous celebrity judge Simon Cowell was one of them waiting to bite.

Trademark skepticism from Cowell along with jeers & laughter from the audience members came when they saw the “outside package” prompting them to make their own premature opinion in their own snarky way.

Despite being greeted with jeering from the audience, rolled eyes and raised eyebrows from the judges, Susan Boyle stood her ground as she proceeded to tell millions around the world that she always wanted to be a professional singer similar to the caliber of famed British theater legend Elaine Paige.

Again scoffing from the audience.

Then it happened. The West Lothian Scotland native began to sing “I Dream A Dream” from “Les Miserables” and it was as if some angel from heaven had come down to sing on stage. She was brilliant!!! I mean B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T!!!!!

Mindblowing incredible. Fantastic. Beyond what anyone could have imagined. The audience rose in seconds and stayed standing & cheering until the very last note was sung. The other two judges Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden were blown away in shock and completely taken by surprise by the magnitude of Boyle’s voice as they gave her a standing ovation.

Boyle obviously blew the judges away prompting them to give the cat loving singer top rank in the contest sending her home a winner. Boyle’s performance was watched by over 13 million viewers on YouTube and she has become an overnight sensation on the Internet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Check out Susan’s Boyle’s performance and you too will be blown away and left speechless just like I and the rest of the world were.

The journey continues…

Ravi

www.raviyande.com

KAL PENN: FROM HOLLYWOOD TO WASHINGTON

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Posted on April 9, 2009 by theravireport

When news broke of actor Kal Penn 31, deciding to give up the glitz, glamour, $$$ in Hollywood to join the White House Office of Public Liaison in the Obama Administration in Washington, I thought: Who could do a better job than the well known and likable Penn? Quite frankly, no one. The award winning American born Indian actor will soon be given the job title of Associate Director and serve as a strong link to the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. In other words, it’s a great job folks!

Kal Penn being interviewed on the red carpet in NY with Indian actor Irrfan Khan

Penn, whose was born Kalpen Suresh Modi 31 years ago in Montclair, NJ to immigrant parents from India, is one of the most visible and talented Asian Indian actors today in Hollywood. Some of his popular movies like “Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle,”“The Namesake,” “Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay” have created massive cult like followings around the globe. The television and film actor for the past few seasons has been portraying the popular role of Dr. Lawrence Kutner in the mega hit Emmy Award winning television series “House”on Fox directed by Bryan Singer. Penn’s role ended recently when his character committed suicide on the show. Not a very graceful farewell exit but nonetheless, it allows the award winning actor to take the job at The White House.

Kal Penn talking at "The Namesake" party in NY

Kal Penn at “The Namesake” party in NY

But let’s be clear here. Penn is not leaving acting. It is just being put “on hold for now” as he has been quoted saying to the press. The actor said that during the Obama campaigning he was very passionate about public service and acting so he is now embarking on another journey and will do very well in.

Over the years, I have met Penn several times at movie premiers, parties and red carpets events and let me just say one thing about the well liked actor. He is PERFECT for the job and let me tell you why. In my opinion, Penn is not an actor trying to gain additional popularity nor is he seeking fame and fortune-he already has that. The young and smart celebrity is ideal for the position because he is passionate about serving the public and the White House saw it and that is why they asked him to join their team. Choosing to give up a very lucrative acting career (that Penn has worked so hard to achieve along with landing a role on popular television series that many actors only dream of getting) shows the true passion that this young democrat has about helping to serve the public.

The Indian actor has always been very nice and gracious to me and other reporters as well. During the premiere of his hit movie “The Namesake” in NY, the actor made time for all the reporters and was very professional and very receptive to the audience during an Q&A session after the screening. Even when Penn is an invited as a guest to a movie premiere or party, he is flocked by the media and is often in high demand by the press to get an interview at premieres and parties.

Penn talking to a guest with Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri of "The Namesake" in the background.

Penn talking to a guest at the NY Public Library with Pulitzer Prize winning author Jhumpa Lahiri of “The Namesake” in the background during a surprise visit to the party.

“I have always loved acting but life is full of other opportunities” he once told me at a red carpet party in NY when I asked the actor about his choice as an entertainer when most South Asians traditionally choose medicine or other sciences as a career.

“I am so grateful that the South Asian community has been encouraging and supportive of my work. That’s very cool” he told The Ravi Report on the red carpet recently.

The Indian actor campaigned for Obama during 2008 mostly on college campuses around the country invoking the voice of the younger generation. He also expressed during that time to the Obama team how much he had enjoyed the opportunity and that serving the public is something that he has always been passionae about besides acting. They saw, they listened and they agreed.

Some of the feedback that I have been receiving from the South Asian community has been nothing but positive.

“Finally, The White House has some solid South Asian representation” said one stunning Indian girl with porcelain like skin at a Manhattan Starbucks studying for what else, the medical school entrance exam. She further said that South Asians contribute to the economy in so many ways, it’s about time that there is strong representation in Washington.

Washington, here I come!

“I feel that Kal will in fact do a great job and open doors to communication not just with South Asians but with many other immigrants and communities” said one very cute and very petite Korean girl. She also said the Obama Administration is filled with diversity and this appointment will only strengthen the President’s close connection to the international communities around the country.

I personally believe that since Penn is well liked by many people both inside and outside of Hollywood and has demonstrated his devotion to public service, he will indeed bring a great deal of honor to both Hollywood and the South Asian communities around the globe with his new and exciting role in The White House.

Way to go “Kumar”!

The journey continues…

Ravi