Good Luck Oscar Nominees!!!
Featured
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
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
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
Lights, Camera & Obama!
Featured
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.
“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…
Ravi
Lights, Camera & Obama!
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.
“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…
Ravi
NY SPECIAL EVENT: Fete With Food & Design
Featured
The prestigious A&D Bldg is home to top design showrooms.
Picture it. Over 12 floors of the most exquisite food from the most preeminent restaurants prepared by the most incredible chefs that will leave you breathless served in some of the most stunning selected home design ultra-lux showrooms you will ever see in New York. If you were not lucky enough to snag a ticket to the event then next year you better make your way to the annual “Taste of T” event presented by the New York Times Style Magazine where luxurious home design meets savory cuisine.
Mouth watering desserts were part of the night of tasting and design.
The Ravi Report had exclusive access to the most recent and talked about and culinary event that took place at the world famous Architects and Designers Building, a venue known for floors upon floors of home design luxrious showrooms. The resplendent building created an upscale restaurant type environment filled with delectable food, beautiful people, delicious pastries and fine wine.
Delicious chocolate fountain welcomed guests at the event
Each participating showroom featured a celebrity chef from a famous and trendy restaurant cooking their trademark dish while other showrooms set up enticing displays of dessert including a chocolate fountain in the Studium showroom.
Selected showrooms welcomed guests
“This is one of the finest culinary events that I have been to. One of kind and a must for all food connoisseurs,” stated a beautiful model like brunette as she filled her plate in the Fantini Rubinetti showroom.
This is the 6th year that the NY Times Style magazine has produced the event and each year it gets bigger and better.
“I really love the fact that you get to taste some of the best food in NY prepared by some of the best chefs in the world,” stated a stunning, tall blonde as she entered the elevator to go the 9th floor to the Miele showroom which she says was her first stop.
Miele, one of the most prestigious and popular German appliance maker in the world has indeed one of the captivating showrooms in the A&D bldg. Modern yet classic and filled with luxurious appliances surrounded by sexy, stylish and trendy furniture mixed in with exquisite lighting, gives the showroom an almost majestic appeal. Guests in the showroom were treated to the talents of celebrity chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli from the world-famous restaurant Butter.
Celebrity Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli from Butter cooks for guests
Many guests enjoyed seeing the spectacular Miele showroom
“We have been involved in this now for four years, ” stated Nick Ord, President of Miele, USA.
“Every year we love it. This year was better because it was focused on cuisine and we are so happy to be part of it” stated Ord.
Why has Miele become such a beloved brand to consumers?
“The brand is loved by consumers because of the attraction they have to quality and the trust they have in the name,” boasts Ord.
Each selected showroom had their own speciality.
There was a special South African wine tasting called “Indaba” that was served to visitors while they mingled with design experts and chefs. The SNEG USA showroom was full of people fawning over the multi-colored luxurious refrigerators that will certainly brighten the kitchen and bring a lot of color to the home.
Colorful SNEG USA refrigerators were a hit with guests!
While it is impossible to write about every single showroom that took part in the event this year and what they offered (I could write a book! LOL!) I wanted to give a sneak peek into one of the most appealing events in NY. Not only is it a great way to taste fabulous food and meet celebrity chefs but also a way to get ideas on how to decorate your home with the latest, stylish, innovative and beautiful furniture and home design accessories you will ever see.
For more information on the showrooms or to check out the other luxurious home designs studios, go to www.adbuilding.com for a complete listing.
The journey continues…
Ravi
SPECIAL EVENT COVERAGE: NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARDS
Featured
Guests enjoying the cocktail party prior to the main event.
To be in the same room among the most distinquished television news legends and award-winning network anchors and documentarians was indeed an honor.
The Ravi Report recently attended the 31st Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards held at the swanky Time Warner Center in Manhattan, NY. The annual function dedicated to honoring those in the world of news and documentaries included over 900 beautiful guests from television news, documentary filmmaking and entertainment news. It was one of the most talked about parties so far this year folks!
This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award went to the acclaimed Frederick Wiseman, one of the most prolific, distinguished and accomplished documentarians of all times. Some of Weisman’s memorable films include “Boxing Gym” (2010), “La Danse” (2009) and “The Garden” 2005). The man is a genius.
Ravi Yande posing with Emmy winning team Andrew Glazer and Dan Rather.
Iconic & accomplished broadcast news legend Dan Rather anchor & host of “Dan Rather Reports” for HDNet won an Emmy for his story entitled “Iran’s Manhattan Project”, an in dept look into the laundering of Iranian money through NY banks. He spoke exclusively to The Ravi Report about his win.
RR: Mr. Rather, it is indeed an honor to be here with you and congratulations. Please share if you will some of your thoughts about your win.
Rather: Thank you so much. I feel humbled and honored to be able to do this kind of work at my age and stage is pretty amazing. To be able to work with people like Andrew Glazer is pretty amazing.
Rather went on to say said that the most surprising fact about the story was that he never knew that huge sums of Iranian money was illegally being laundered through London banks so Iranians can get NY dollars to buy supplies for their nuclear weapons and missiles programs.
Legendary news anchor Dan Rather poses for The Ravi Report
With the explosion of social media and with bloggers ( yours truly) becoming a resource for news, I asked the award-winning & renowned journalist what his thoughts were on the explosion of the media trend.
RR: Mr. Rather, you’ve seen the journalism industry transform into what it is today- a fast and social media friendly world. What are your thoughts on the whole concept of social media?
Rather: Social media plays a very big role now and I think it’s destined to play even a bigger role in the future. It compasses a lot more than journalism but journalism has become part of it. Anyone who is not thinking of social media today is to far behind the times.
The ever so ravishing Paula Zahn, the host of “On The Case With Paula Zahn” on the Investigation Discovery Network was one of the presenters for the event and spoke about how social media has really become an intricate part of citizen journalism.
RR: Paula, you look simply amazing tonight. With so many elements to social media today like blogging, twitter, etc, where do you see it playing a role in future journalism?
Zahn- Thanks so much. Honestly, it’s completely changed in the way we do our business. When I was at CNN, it was considered pretty revolutionary for people to send us in pictures of what they saw. I certainly do welcome the input of audience members and always have but my biggest concern is the accuracy of it.
Top anchors Ali Velshi & Paula Zahn grace the red carpet at the Emmys.
The Ravi Report also caught up with CNN’s financial guru & prevalent anchor Ali Velshi who has been an intricate part of the cable network’s success.
RR: Ali, great to see you again. Terrific year for CNN! What’s the secret of their success?
Velshi- Thanks. This indeed has been an interesting news year so far. When we are covering breaking news, when we are covering international events, disasters, etc, it’s where the DNA comes out. It’s where we don’t have to worry about the competition.
RR: What was the most thought-provoking story you have done so far in 2010?
Velshi: My story is the about the recession. It’s actually about the people whom I met. The one thing I do is report about the people but I also go out on the CNN Express and talk to my viewers.RR: Why that particular story?
Velshi:The difficulties for me as someone who understands the world of business is that I did not fully understand how we got to where we did in this recession. Many of my viewers are out of work or losing their homes and THAT ultimately is what hurts me the most. What I do with my coverage is to design it around to show opportunities so they (viewers) can try to get back some of their wealth.
NBC award-winning anchor Brian Williams accepted the Emmy for his NBC broadcast news segment that won for coverage of “Miracle On The Hudson“, the incredible landing of US Airways flight 1549 on the NY Hudson River in the middle of the 2009 winter. Pilot Chelsey B. Sullenger, fondly known as “Sully”, became a national hero.
Ravi Yande backstage with Emmy winner Brian Williams
RR: Congrats Brian. It’s one of those stories that no one expected to have a miracle ending. What were your thoughts when you first heard about the incident?
Williams: Thank you. I was out in NJ listening to a fire scanner as I always have to see what was going in Manhattan. When I heard about the plane, all I knew is that I needed to get to the studio. I didn’t know what we had there. Because whatever it was, a story about an aircraft in the Hudson could not end well in all likelyhood..but it DID”.
RR: The story flooded the social media world for days. Have you become part of it (social media) yet?
Williams: I have an account on Twitter and I think I have 4K followers and haven’t said a peep. I am waiting. It has to be thought out. I’ll get there. I am taking my time.
RR: With the explosion of social media, what direction do you think it’s going to take in future mainstream news?
Williams: It is media. Someday we will drop the mainstream part and we will drop the social part and it will all be known as media.
NBC news anchor Brian Williams poses exclusively for The Ravi Report
The Emmy for Best Documentary went to “War Dance”. The story focuses on three kids abducted by war rebels living in Northern Uganda who take part in a music competition. The eminent director of the film, Sean Fine who lived in the war zone for three months (and caught malaria while filming) says that the film was extremely well received and all the immense struggles were well worth it.
FINE: We were shocked and appalled to see over 60K children being abducted by rebel forces,” stated the filmmaker to The Ravi Report. The Emmy winner has also become the guardian of one of the children from the story.
“War Dance” has won numerous awards including being nominated for an Academy Award and for winning the Sundance Directing Award Documentary. Fine is also planning on building a music and art center there for the kids. For more info on the film or how you can help the kids, check out www.wardancethemovie.com and www.thepatangofund.org. The film will be seen in November on the Documentary Channel (www.documentarychannel.com).
The event also included special guests and celebrated actors including “Lethal Weapon” star Danny Glover. The award-winning Hollywood actor is one of several celebrities currently lobbying to legalize cannabis in the state of California.
A special note of thanks goes to Daryl B. Cohen, Chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and to Paul Pilliteri for doing a great job and for accommodating the media with interviews and access.For a complete list of winners, go to www.emmyonline.org.
The journey continues..
Ravi
MORGAN SPURLOCK CONNECTS WITH WILLIFEST 2010
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The other day, one of my reporter friends mentioned to me that she was going to the 2010 Willifest Film Festival. She asked me if I was going.
“Was I going?” I eagerly replied.
“I”m all over that already” I then boasted.
And I am.
The Williamsburg Film Festival, (www.willifest.com) fondly known as Willifest will begin on Sept 23 and run until the 26th in one of the hippest and stylish places in Brooklyn. The newly establish film festival will bring together hundreds of film professionals and thousands of movie fans over the course of three days in the famous town full of artists and some of the most creative people you will ever meet.
The festival will feature the works of some of the most talented directors, producers, writers and actors from NY showcasing their short films and documentaries. It with also feature special Q&A with the directors, industry executives and producers after specific screenings. If it’s anything like their recent press party, you are NOT GOING to want to miss this exciting film festival folks!
Co-Founded by talented veteran filmmaker Michael Helman and film/TV/music producer Robin Adams, The Williamsburg Film Festival was established so that accomplished and up and coming artistic filmmakers from NY can showcase their films to a live audience while meeting industry professionals and networking with their peers.
Ravi Yande with "Dream Team" filmmakers Beth Aala, Jonathan Bricklin and Morgan Spurlock
One of the most successful and eminent filmmaker to attach his name and films to the festival this year is the resplendent Morgan Spurlock.
Spurlock, whose 2004 Academy Award nominated film “Super Size Me” is still one of the most famous and most watched documentaries of all time, is one of the nicest, humorous and talented filmmakers I have ever met. Spurlock spoke exclusively to The Ravi Report about his involvement in the Williamsburg Film Festival this year. I caught up with Spurlock and his team of amazing producers at one of the hottest & sexiest places in NY, the ping-pong social club SPIN New York. (www.spingalactic.com).
“This festival became a great showcase for what I think has become a NY platform for films for NY based filmmakers and I am surprised by the amount of talent I see in NYC.” said the NY based director.
” I came from West Virginia to NYC to find my way into this business and I want to help people get their movies seen,” added the award-winning screenwriter.
The acclaimed filmmaker gained nationwide fame with his documentary creating ripples through the fast food industry by showing the world what a diet of McDonald’s fast food can do to you and your body. The success of the film made Spurlock one of the most sought after filmmakers in Hollywood and NY.
Spurlock is executive producer of the opening night film “Pool Party” which is directed by long time friend, the talented and beautiful Beth Aala. The film tells the story of how one of the largest abandoned pools in NY became a venue for bands and musicians. The buzz on this film is pretty intense.
“Morgan is one person that loves to take chances” said Aala. The director also believes that due to Spurlock’s ability to work well with people and his ability to be trusting in new producers and directors, the masterful documentary filmmaker is revered by many of his peers.
“For Morgan, it’s aways been about quality and story and it shows in his work or whatever project he gets involved in” stated Aala,
Then for a split second during my interview, Spurlock became the reporter (Spurlock is an excellent journalist by the way who was voted by Time magazine in 2007 as one of the top 10 “Best Journalists of The World”) and I became the listener.
“What do you expect from your film. What do you hope for?” the filmmaker asked Aala.
“My hope is that an audience is going to experience this film and appreciate the changes and music in Williamsburg. I knew it back in the day (1999) and it is completely different from it is now” said Aala.
Spurlock is also the executive producer (the guy never rests!) of another incredible and engrossing film called “The Entrepreneur” based on the life of Malcom Bricklin, the gentleman responsible for bringing Suburus to America in the 1960s and for importing Yugos. The film is director by Bricklin’s son, the gifted filmmaker and co-owner of SPIN New York, Jonathan Bricklin.
” I asked if he (Spurlock) could help me finish the film and he said yes. I think its his great vibe and the fact that he is very approachable, really made this happen.” said Brickin Jr.
Spurlock said he took to the film because of one main thing the premise.
“Jonathan related the story and I saw so many similarities with it in my own life. I also grew up with a dad who was an entrepreneur who did not rest until he became successful so I could so related to this film in so many ways” stated the filmmaker.
This is Bricklin Jr. first documentary.
“As a filmmaker, just screening a film for live audience is satisfying but when Morgan came into this project, that was pretty much it for me. To be endorsed by a great filmmaker who is so creative that was a great satisfaction for me in making this film” stated the NY based filmmaker.
Bricklin also says that Spurlock fully understands both the creative and business process which is rare in a highly successful filmmaker.
Spurlock says his love for documentaries began in college when he saw the documentary “Brother’s Keeper” (1992), the story about the murder trial of Dilbert Ward. Spurlock says that film directed by Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky really impacted his life in terms of following his decision into making documentaries.
“There is a great way to tell engrossing stories through non-fiction film making that does exist through narrative filmmaking” pointed out the director who also believes that documentaries have grown to a place where they have become popular and accepting and that now is the chance to make more docs that will eventually become mainstream.
Spurlock’s next film will be an adaptation of the book “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J Dubner due out in October. Spurlock will be working with four other directors includng Heidi Ewing, Rachel Grady, Alex Gibney and Eugene Jarecki.
With his sense of filmmaking and passion for telling realistic stories, I had to ask the talented filmmaker about what his thoughts were on making a documentary on Bollywood.
” I would love to head to Mumbai to make a documentary. That would be amazing.” said the director.
“He should be a consultant to Bollywood films” chimed in Bricklin.
“They would welcome him with open arms” smiled Aala.
Indeed they would.
The journey continues…..
Ravi
The King of Bollywood Continues to Rein
Featured
Bollywood superstars Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan entering NY press conference
Hope you all are having a great summer! Got sidetracked with some new projects and travel so my apologies for not posting anything new for a while. But now, I’m back so here goes!
The summer has been good for the King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. The A-lister who continues to be the biggest star in the Indian film industry with millions of fans, is basking in the successful of his film “My Name Is Khan” which recently had its DVD release in the US and the recent honor of being immortalized in the world-famous Madame Tussauds wax museum in NYC recently.
Khan, 45, who was named one of Newsweek’s ’50 Most Powerful People in the World’ in 2008 continues to be one of Bollywood’s highest paid actors making millions in brand endorsements, stage shows and hosting television specials in India.
But he has also remained as humble by his mega success and is so appreciative of his fans who he believes have kept him going strong in the Indian movie business for almost 20 years!
The actor’s latest film “My Name is Khan” has done very well at the box office this and was the highest grossing Indian film in the US so far this year. Released earlier in 2010, the iconic actor co-stars with one of the most sought after actresses in Bollywood today Kajol and the duo came together on-screen after almost a decade.
Fox Searchlight was the distributor for the film and from what my sources tell me, they are pretty happy with the results.
Fox Searchlight was the distributor for the film and from what my sources tell me, they are pretty happy with the results.“My Name is Khan” tells the story of Rizwan (Khan), an Indian muslim living in the US and married to the beautiful Hindu Mandira (Kajol) whose lives are transformed into anguish after the Sept. 11 attacks. Rizwan has Asperger’s Syndrome and is often mistaken for a terrorist after the attacks . To save his marriage and reputation, Rizwan insists on seeing the President of the United States to proclaim his innocence and clear his name. The film with a combination of love and a quest for truth will make you route for the underdog as is most common in Bollywood films.
Ravi Yande and Shah Rukh Khan at the NY premiere of “My Name is Khan”.
Khan and stunning actress Kajol have returned to the screen after many years and their on-screen chemistry is even stronger than before. They have worked together in many films (most of them being box office hits) and are termed the “Royal Couple” of Bollywood due to their regal on-screen presence and loyal following.
It’s interesting to note that I first interviewed Khan on Sept 10, 2001, the day before tragedy struck America. He spoke about the incident during our interview and the sadness that comes over him when he talks about it. He also points out that the film is clearly not about the attacks.
“I keep getting that question asked of the film” he told The Ravi Report recently. “the movie is about prejudices people go through solely based on who you are as a person or what you look like or for that matter, what your last name is” stated the actor.
“My Name is Khan” is co-produced by Khan’s wife Gauri Khan and directed by one of the most prolific and acclaimed young director’s in Bollywood today, Karan Johar. The magnanimous director usually shoots his films outside of India in foreign locations often picking NY or LA as his favorite spots. What’s really intriguing and fascinating about his films is how Bollywood looks at America through the movie lens.
But the most enthralling thing that Khan told me was that he hopes their film shows how important tolerance is along with others with different faiths, appearances and of course religion.
The film is first that both Khan and Johar have co-produced together. Johar is also one fo the few if not only Bollywood directors to enlist the talents of foreign talent for his movies. He is a genius when it comes to knowing what the public wants. All of his movies have been box office hits.
The music for the film scored by the “dream team” of Indian music Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy will bring you to tears.
The release of the DVD was in conjunction with the recent installation of Khan at the world famous Madame Tussauds wax museum in NY a few weeks ago. This is Khan’s second statue. He also has a presence at the London branch.
The event included beautiful dancers who danced to the music of Khan’s 2007 hit film “Om Shanti Om“.” I think it’s such a validation for Bollywood to have Khan in with the rest of the world’s prestigious wax figures. He certainly deserves it!” said one beautiful Indian girl who said she skipped work to make it to the event.
The museum also has wax figures of iconic Bollywood stars Amitabh Bachchan and his daughter in law, world’s most beautiful woman, Aishwariya Rai.
“More and more people are seeing Bollywood as part of the mainstream,” Rosemary del Prado, director of marketing at Madame Tussauds has told the press. For a complete Bollywood tour, check out www.madametussauds.com/newyork for more info. A must see folks!!
“I think Khan being in the museum shows that the world is embracing Bollywood even further” said another very attractive and tall Indian lady who was studying acting in NY hoping to make it to Bollywood someday and star in a film with Khan.
As I was leaving the event I see an American trying to see what the fuss is about.
“Who is Khan?” the young man innocently asks.
“Take Elvis, Tom Cruise, Sting and throw in Jay Z and maybe you will get the kind of magnitude that Khan exemplifies in Bollywood” said one turban wearing proud Indian.
Khan and Johar are back together again currently in London shooting for their new film “Ra. One” due out early next year. Prepare yourself for another hit.
The Journey continues…
Ravi