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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

www.raviyande.com

NATASHA RICHARDSON: A GEM IS GONE BUT THE SPARKLE WILL REMAIN.

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Posted on March 20, 2009 by theravireport

It was indeed a sad day for the world when we learned that talented actress, mom, wife,daughter and activist Natasha Richardson had passed away on Monday. March 18, 2009. It was shocking to many that such a vibrant, beautiful and extremely talented actress was no longer among us.

Richardson 45, died from injuries sustaining from an epidural hematoma caused by an skiing accident that occurred on March 16 in which the actress fell on a beginner’s slope in Quebec, Canada.

The talented daughter of Oscar winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and the late acclaimed theater director Tony Richardson was married to Hollywood star Liam Neeson and had two children Micheál 14 and Daniel 12.

Richardson had an incredible & enriching stage and film career. At 23, she had her first major film role in Ken Russell’s “Gothic” and numerous other films followed including “Patty Hearst” and most recently “The Parent Trap”in which she portrayed Lindsay Lohan’s mother.

“I can’t believe it. So young, so beautiful” commented one very pretty girl who was reading the devastating news at a cafe in Union Square.

I first met Richardson about two years ago on the red carpet of an event in NY. She was attending a fundraiser and she was so humble and gracious. I remember she was running late and was being rushed into the event but still made time to talk to reporters making sure that everyone was able to speak to her and get some questions answered and she often stayed until she was done. Now, that’s class.

When I interviewed the Tony award winning actress at The Foundation of AIDS Research (AmFar) event last year, she spoke to me about how her father, the late director Tony Richardson had died of AIDS related causes in 1991. She was so passionate about being involved in AmFar and said it meant more then just lending her name. She told me she had lost many friends to the disease and wanted to help out in any way she could. Richardson was actively involved in the organization for more than 15 years. That’s just the kind of person she was.

Always impeccably dressed, the actress had the most captivating smile and dazzling eyes I have ever seen. When she walked the red carpet, she would bring with her grace, charm, style and a whole lot of class that will be missed.

Richardson wasn’t a friend but there is still a sense of sadness that I am feeling as if I have lost a good friend. Many people that I have spoken to in the last 48 hours feel the same way.

I will light a candle for Natasha Richardson and pray for her family and hope they remain strong during this time of sadness.

Ravi

NY EVENTS: CHARITY:WATER & BRIDGE ART FAIR WELCOME ART TO NY.

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Posted on March 14, 2009 by theravireport

With NY Art Week almost coming to an end, many incredible events went on in the city bringing deep awareness and attention to the world of international art and charitable causes. Private museum parties,celebrity cocktail receptions and one amazing party that drew over 1200 people to Chelsea Market on March 10 was indeed one of the best art parties in every shape and form during the week. The pictures speak for themselves. artwork-011

Charity:Water, www.charitywater.org, the organization that provides safe and clean drinking water to underdeveloped nations around the world, celebrated NY Art Week by having an amazing photography exhibit opening with a custom made wishing well that drew many of the beautiful, fashionable and stylish people to the Manhattan Chelsea Market . Many got to view some of the most captivating and thought provoking photos provided by Scott Harrison, the founder and President of Charity:Water. Guests mingled as they saw images of children carrying the famed yellow containers of clean drinking water and danced and listened to music by The Kin, Rob Murat and others playing the night away.

Founder and President of Charity:Water Scott Harrison welcomes guest to the event.

“I have been to all of their events. You mention Charity:Water and you know it’s going to be a great event” said a gorgeous brunette wearing a sexy Donna Karan dress with a plunging neckline.

The coolest part of the exhibit is that there is a custom build wishing well set up by multimedia artist Thomas Beale . All the money from the well goes to building safe water wells around the world..so GO DOWN TO THE WELL!! Grab all that unwanted change that is just sitting around in jars and bring it down to The Chelsea Market Charity: Water well and help the people of Africa and India get clean drinking water!

The Chelsea Market created the perfect atmosphere for the photo exhibit

The event raised over $30,000 which will be enough to build 6 wells and 100% of all money raised from the event goes directly to the on-the-ground projects. For those who missed the event (next time buy your tickets early!) the photo exhibit and wishing well are on display until May 31 so get those coins ready!!

Another interesting and exciting art party during Art Week was the opening night of the Bridge Art Fair which ran from March 5th-8th at the historic Waterfront building in Manhattan. Rows of the most beautiful artwork from famous painters and photographers around the world were displayed for guests to view and purchase.

The event is globally well known and usually draws extremely famous and up and coming artists who often see the fair was a platform to display their work internationally. It’s also a way for museum curators, devoted art fans and patrons to experience viewing contemporay and modern art pieces, paintings and sculptures all under one big roof with over 50 exhibit booths. It was heaven for those that have never been to an art fair before.

Bridge Art Fair opening night reception

“What’s really interesting about this show is that artists from all over the world come together and show the diversity of their talent. You can’t beat that” said one extremely cute blond displaying her pearly whites gleaming through dark red covered lips.

Thanks to Workhouse Publicity (www.workhousepr.com) for doing an outstanding job organizing the event and making sure that guests and press were taken care of. Thousands of people were greeted with grace and the press were given prompt access to the event and artists. Great job WP!

art-0271 I hope you all enjoyed the NY Art Week and we able to experience meeting world renowned artists, attend some great parties and appreciate and learn more about the world of art. I know I did.

Ravi

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: INDIA’S TOP FILMSTAR ABHISHEK BACHCHAN

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Posted on March 10, 2009 by theravireport

To understand the magnitude of Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan, you need to do a little arithmetic here. Take the status of Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and George Clooney multiply that by 100 and add singer Bono to the mix and then maybe you have the equation of the kind of mass appeal that Abhishek Bachchan has to Indian films. With millions of fans, world wide releases and being married to the world’s most beautiful lady Aishwariya Rai, the guy is doing ok. Okay!

Indian superstar Abhishek Bachchan poses for The Ravi Report in NY.

Superstar Abhishek Bachchan exclusively poses for The Ravi Report in NY.

Bachchan Jr. 34, son of legendary Indian film stars Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan has been a top star in the Indian film industry for the past decade pairing up with some of the hottest and sexiest leading ladies in Bollywood. The tall, humble, charistmatic and spiritual actor (the actor’s name literary means “the process of offering worship to God”) sat down with The Ravi Report in NY recently to talk about his latest hit movie “Delhi 6″ his marriage and what being part of “Young Bollywood” means to him.

RR: Abhishek great seeing you again. Ok, let’s start with the film. It seems your role of “Roshan” in “Dehli 6” was almost specifically written for you. You did a great job. In what way did you research the role?

AB: Thanks Ravi. I could relate to the character pretty well because although I was born in India, like “Roshan” I have lived most of my life outside of the country due to my education so I could related to the way he saw things differently and often questioned things like faith, family values, etc.

RR: What did you find most captivating about the script?

AB: hmm…I found the narrative part of the film to be a great concept that Reykesh(the director) created. It was brilliant and fit so nicely into the film. It made so much sense to have that element throughout the story.

RR: You’ve portrayed some interesting characters in your decade long career. What is it that you specifically look for when accepting a role?

AB: Well, (pauses for a moment) there is really nothing specific that I look for in a script but I will say that the story has to excite me in some way. I am open to anything and I like to experiment with something new in the storyline if possible.

Ravi Yande with Abhishek Bachchan

Experiment indeed. Over the years, Bachchan Jr. has portrayed intense & comical roles that have gotten him international fame such as the recent hit film “Dostana” which was shot in Miami Beach and did extremely well at the box office last year both in India and abroad. It also earned him a Filmfare nomination (The Indian equivalent to the Oscars). Ironically his legendary father Bachchan Sr. also starred in the same titled film almost three decades earlier which also became a hit at the box office in India. Like father like son.

RR: How do you think you have grown as an actor?

AB: Wow! (pauses) I don’t know how to really answer that question…hmmm let’ s see…well, I think I am more confident now in my abilities as an actor. Trying to deliver your lines in front of about 500 people can be a bit challenging but I think I have mastered it somewhat now at this stage of my career. Plus you pick up alot of experiences during a film and you apply it to your next film so you do know how things are done and what to look for.

RR: Your famous parents Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan have ruled the Indian film industry for decades. How influential have they been in your career and if so, in what way?

AB: Well, they are my parents and they are going to always have a say in something! (laughs).They have been great. They give me freedom to choose the roles that I want and have never influenced me or told me what role to go for. But I do go to them for advice and they are always willing to express their thoughts when I ask. They are great.

RR: With so many changes now in the Indian film industry in terms of business, marketing and the way films are produced, tell me what some of your thoughts are on the way “New Bollywood” is being marketed these days not just in India but globally as well.

AB: The Indian film industry has drastically changed in many ways and I firmly believe that the industry has become the ambassador of India to the world in many ways. When we (the Indian film industry) were recognized as an full fledged Indian film industry by the Government of India a few years ago, alot of fresh funding came into the scene in terms of banks, corporations & investors so changes like creating studios, multiplexes and savvy marketing all came into existence creating a more business savvy industry.

Abhishek Bachchan with the gorgeous Sonam Kapoor, co star of the film “Delhi 6”

RR: You are part of what many have termed “Young Bollywood”, a group of talented & young stars that have become box office sensations with highly successful films. Your thoughts?

AB: Well, (leans back for a few seconds…then leans forward, pauses then begins to speak). I hope that my generation can make a difference in the industry in some way. I think we have made an impact on pop culture and music in many ways and many of our films are being released internationally so I do hope the trend continues.

RR: Your mother and father had their trademark film “Abhimaan”in 1973 which pretty much launched their careers and made them stars. They portrayed a married couple who happened to also be married in real live. Anything similar in the planning with you and Aishwariya?

AB: Well, Ash and I were offered a film by Rajiv Menon who is developing something along the lines of “Abhimaan” so we’ll see how it goes. I am also shooting a film with her with my mentor Mani Ratnam who produced “Guru”…so there are few things going on which we like.

RR: Thank you so much for your time. It was great seeing you again. I wish you alot of luck with your new films.

AB: It was a pleasure. Thank you.

Ravi

NY EVENT: BOLLYWOOD COMES TO THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART

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Posted on March 1, 2009 by theravireport

“Delhi 6” award winning team being introduced at MoMa premiere.

For a minute I thought I was back in Mumbai at some glitzy movie premiere when I entered the world famous Museum of Modern Art In Manhattan on Sunday February 16, 2009 and saw Bollywood movie stars, larger then life Indian movie posters and a line of fans dressed in silk saris and tunics waiting to get into the museum. MoMa had welcomed Bollywood for the first time with the premiere of “Delhi 6″ along with the cast and director of the film, celebrities, Indian film devotees and of course The Ravi Report was front and center to capture all the exciting parts of the movie event.

Indian superstar Abhishek Bachchan enters MoMa for the screening of his film “Delhi 6”

“There he is!” screamed one very pretty Indian girl trying to get a glimpse of the “Brad Pitt” of India, Abhishek Bachchan the star of the film. “Please just one hug” shouted another stunning Indian beauty with almond shaped eyes among the hundreds of fans who showed up for the premiere.

The crowd had waited hours in line just to get a quick photo or hand shake (security permitting) of Bachchan Jr, son of legendary and world famous Indian filmstars Amitabh & Jaya Bachchan. Dressed in a Hugo Boss suit complete with silk tie and silver cufflinks and sporting a new hair style, (for a role he is currently playing) Bachchan Jr. did the usual signing of autographs, posing for pictures and shaking hands among the well wishers who waited hours to catch a glimpse of Indian film star in person who on Feb. 5 celebrated his 33rd birthday in NY. Married to global international star Aishwariya Rai, who recently had her own movie premiere of “Pink Panther”in NY, the young actor whose decade long career in the Indian cinema industry has made him into one of India’s finest leading actors and part of what many term “Young Bollywood”.

Bachchan Jr. came with the lead actress of the film, the ravishing Sonam Kapoor daughter of Bollywood top actor Anil Kapoor who has become an household name because of his role as the host of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” in the Oscar winning film “Slumdog Millionaire”. The father and daughter team have reached international fame from their hard work, talent and of course great movies.

Kapoor, dressed in a tradition red and black Indian dress, decked with Indian jewellery, the stunning and very humble actress spoke to reporters about her role, loving NY and “Slumdog Millionaire”.
“I am so excited to be in NY especially with the film. New Yorkers have always embraced us (Indian films) so I am grateful to be here again” stated the Indian beauty.

MoMa welcomed Bollywood in full swing!

Although Indian movie premieres in NY are still few and far in between, they are slowly becoming part of the NY movie premiere culture. Only the big budgeted films with box office appeal and of course big talent from India make it to NY but now due increased interest from the western audiences, Indian films are getting global recognization more so now than ever before thanks to brilliant Indian directors like Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, Reykesh Omprakash Mehra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Acclaimed filmmaker Reykesh OmPrakash Mehra being interviewed at this MoMa premire of film "Delhi 6".

Acclaimed filmmaker Reykesh OmPrakash Mehra being interviewed at the MoMa premire of his film “Delhi 6”.

Acclaimed and internationally known director of “Delhi 6″, Reykesh Omprakash Mehra whose previous box office megahit “Rang De Basanti”was India’s official entry for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars in 2006 was heard telling reporters how this movie was extremely personal to him in many ways. More on what the film meant to him and his journey as a filmmaker in my in depth interview with Mehra and the stars of the film in the next The Ravi Report.

One star missing from the premiere was musical genius A.R. Rahman who was in LA preparing for his Oscar night performance. The world knows by now that Rahman won two Oscars for his musical scores for “Slumdog Millionaire“. The music for “Delhi 6″ is simply awesome.

I really must commend MoMa for doing an outstanding job at the premiere. It was such a pleasure to see the world famous museum have such a strong interest in Indian films and to embrace it with such style, elegance and respect. You must visit MoMa www.moma.org when you get a chance and membership has many, many benefits.

The special night also included international movie director Mira Nair, beautiful stage and screen actress Sarita Chaudhury, actor Manu Narayan from the superhit film “Love Guru” and several NY social personalities and business leaders.

Ravi

NY Oscar Parties: From Traditional To Eco-Friendly

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Posted on February 24, 2009 by theravireport

Golden Oscar statue greeted guests as they entered the Hotel Carlyle Oscar party

It was Hollywood in NY on Oscar night for sure. Town cars lining up, diamond laced celebrities sipping champagne and add a larger than life golden trademark Oscar statue welcoming in guests and former Oscar winners and you my friends, have a night of NY glitz & glamour celebrating the Academy Awards 2009 and let me tell you, New Yorkers know how to p-a-r-t-y!

First stop, the very classy and elegant Carlyle Hotel on the Upper East Side . The party had the true trimmings of a Hollywood Oscar event. Waiters walking around holding silver trays of the finest champagne making sure the distinguished & beautiful guests were enjoying themselves. Special decorated tables with imported silk tableclothes covered with beautiful flower arrangements and candles, were also part of the festival atmosphere at the world famous hotel. “This is one Oscar party that you don’t want to miss especially if you live in NY!” stated one Versace gown wearing lady with pigeon egg size diamond earrings. There was no shortage of bling bling at this event for sure!

Hotel Carlyle doorman helping VIP guest into the Oscar party

Presented by the Academy of Motion Arts & Sciences the event was filled with the most glamorous television, Broadway and film personalities from NY. Broadway star and legendary actress Elaine Stitch made a grand entrance and Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush who won for Best Actor for his role in “Shine“(1997) mingled with guests and noted personalities.

Academy Award winning actor Geoffrey Rush attend NY Oscar party

Academy Award winning actor Geoffrey Rush attends NY Oscar party

The party had the true elements and glamour of an Hollywood type Academy Awards party and the golden Oscar statue placed in the middle of the world famous cocktail room filled with black tie wearing gentlemen and evening gown wearing ladies enhanced the party even more so. I will say that it’s nice to see that glamour and style are in full swing when it comes to the Oscars no matter where you are.

Onto the next party, an Eco-friendly one that is. Yup, you heard it right. We go from exotic diamonds and the classic black tie to the trendy & stylish Soho dresses, sexy models and green grass.

Manhattan’s newest Eco -friendly lounge Greenhouse was the home to a very organically designed Academy Awards party. My first one to be honest and it was very cool. Large wide screens placed on several sides of the lounge showed the Oscars as patrons (about 400) drank delicious gin cocktails amongst a mostly film and fashion crowd. The table settings including organic hand lotion samples, soaps and special hair products that are “tested on actresses never on animals”. You gotta love that!

Enjoying an Oscar party the Eco-friendly way!

Thanks to Poull Brien of Way Over Budget Productions and Jared Moshe of Sidetrack Films, invited guests got to experience an incredible Eco-friendly Oscar party that many had never experienced before in their life.

“This is better than any Oscar party I have been to so far” said one stunning brunette with a cute piercing in her nose.

“I think they should take this theme and make it universal” said one tall beautiful blond who wore a fashionable designer dress made from very little fabric.

The VIP gift bags contained organic products by www.theorganicapple.com a great company for organic skin and hair products. Check it out!

NY was indeed traditional and creative when it came to celebrating the Academy Awards this season and it did so with the kind of energy and spirit that New Yorkers are best known for.

Ravi

“SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE” WINS 8 OSCARS! JAI HO!

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Posted on February 23, 2009 by theravireport

It did it. The film about hope and love won 8 Oscars including Best Picture at the 2009 Academy Awards last night. It was incredible. Just incredible. Ok…one more time. Incredible.

Superstars Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto have become international superstars

Actors Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto have become international superstars

My media contacts in LA kept texting and telling me what a strong Indian presence there was at the Oscars this year. Top Bollywood A listers like actors Anil Kapoor and Ifrran Khan graced the red carpets with superstars Freida Pinto, Dev Patel and Loveleen Tandan.”It was so nice to see saris and Bollywood again this year at the Oscars” one text read.

Although the win was highly anticipated due to the stream of awards that “Slumdog Millionaire” has been winning since the nation first took notice of the incredible and amazing film, it was still every bit exciting to see the film do so well. I was at an Oscar party in NY with about 500 people and it was pin drop silence before the Best Picture announcement was made then tears & jumps of joy came afterwards. “This has made India so proud” said one Indian beauty at the party trying to hold back tears. “I really want to go to India now!” said one cute brunette.

Musical genius A.R Rahman won two Oscars including Best Original Score and for his song “Jai Ho”. The maestro has the Midas touch indeed!

Loveleen Tandon, Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy are an award winning team

Loveleen Tandan, Danny Boyle and Simon Beaufoy are an award winning team

Not only India, but the world. I wholeheartedly congratulate the team and cast of “Slumdog Millionaire” for their tremendous and well deserved success.

You guys rock! Jai Ho!

Ravi

“SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE” GETS TEN OSCAR NOMINATIONS

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Posted on January 27, 2009 by theravireport

Talk about a film with the Midas touch. Is there anything else really left to say about “Slumdog Millionaire“? Ten Oscar nominations and other recent honors include Best Ensemble Cast at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Daryl F. Zanuck Award for Producer at the Producers Guild of America Awards. This is unbelievable! The film has broken all records at the box office and continues to win award after award in Hollywood and overseas.

Co-director Loveleen Tandan and acclaimed movie director Mira Nair share a joke at the NY premiere.

Just to show you how popular the movie has become, I recently took some friends to a Manhattan movie house last week and the film sold out! I thought, what a minute! The movie has been out since last November and it is still selling out? Remarkable.

“The ten Oscar nominations really increased ticket sales” said the gorgeous blonde behind the ticket booth who also told me she has seen it once and was planning on seeing it again with her friends.

The magic behind the movie besides having magnificent director Danny Boyle and a great team is that the film seems to be attracting all kinds of audiences who have been longing for a feel good film and “Slumdog Millionaire” is certainly filling the void.

The nominations for global musical genius A. R. Rahman, who has been nominated for two of the three songs in the Best Song category, has been a tremendous honor for his work and for India. The singer, composer, producer , instrumentalist and song writer has for the past two decades, created some of the most incredible songs and background music for Indian films. His work is known across the globe and now Hollywood as taken notice. The soundtrack of “Slumdog Millionaire” has caught the attention of the nation with it’s foot tapping melodies and soulful tunes.

NY after party of “Slumdog Millionaire” premiere with Co-director Loveleen Tandan and director Danny Boyle in the background mingling with guests.

My media contacts in India who attended the Mumbai premiere of the film said that the Oscar nominations were announced the night of the premiere so there was a double celebration that night. Guests and celebrities danced the night away to an Indian band playing on the red carpet when they heard of the nomination news. Co-director Loveleen Tandan dressed in a beautiful & classic pink silk sari danced the night away with Bollywood top star Anil Kapoor and the beautiful Frieda Pinto and charismatic Dev Patel, all of whom have become households names .

As The Academy Awards are watched around the world on Sunday, February 22, 2009 on ABC by millions, all eyes will be focused on a small film with unknown leads that has magnified into one of the most powerful films of the year catching the attention of the world in the process.

Music Composer/Producer/Singer A.R. Rahman seen here with Andrew Lloyd Weber, has been nominated twice in the Best Song category for the Oscars.

Ravi

The Oscar nominations for “Slumdog Millionaire” are as follows:

1. Best Picture

2.Best Director

3. Best Adapted Screenplay(writing)

4. Best Cinematography

5. Best Song (2 nominations)

1.”Jai Ho”

2. “O Saya”

6. Achievement in Editing

7. Best Sound Mixing

8.Original Score

“SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE” SKYROCKETS TO FAME

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Posted on January 20, 2009 by theravireport

Ok…so now that the movie “Slumdog Millionaire” has pretty much become an household name, I think its time for me to share with you some additional great news about the film, the cast and producers just in case you haven’t heard. (which maybe only a few of you since the movie has skyrocketed to fame in the last few weeks and everyone is talking about it! I mean everyone!)

Superstars Dev Patel and Frida Pinto pose for The Ravi Report

Superstars Dev Patel and Freida Pinto pose for The Ravi Report

Since the NY premiere of the film last November when The Ravi Report was front and center at the opening, director Danny Boyle and his cast have been flooded with awards, special recognition and enough nominations and wins to fill Giant Stadium!

“Slumdog Millionaire”has so far to date, won four Golden Globes including one for Best Drama, won five Critics Choice Awards and received 11 BAFTA nominations and is rumored to be a strong contender for best picture at the Oscars this year. Everyone associated with the film has gotten worldwide recognition. Actor Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have been on Letterman, CNN, NBC Today, Golden Globes you name it, they have been there! Pinto has been written up in almost every leading fashion magazine regarding her sexy and classic style of clothing, jewellery and shoes. Zac Posen is one of her favorite designers she has told the press. Both Patel and Pinto have become instant superstars in their native home land of London and India.

Award winning director Danny Boyle being interviewed on the red carpet

Director Danny Boyle is basically on cloud nine and should be. His film has done remarkable well at the box office(13 mil budget and cleared over 40 mil so far) and is still climbing the box office charts in terms of popularity and $$$.

So, the question now being asked by many is how does a small Indian film with unknown lead actors get so much attention and win so many awards? Simple. It’s not rocket science. The film has an excellent story with brilliant casting (thank you Loveleen Tandon. You are a God sent) great music from genius A.R. Rahman and incredible performances by three of the biggest names in the Indian film industry Anil Kapoor, Mahesh Manjrekar and Irrfan Khan. Mixed all that together with the Midas touch of director Boyle and you my friends have a great film!

The popularity of the film has increased so much that additional theaters across America and the UK have opened up and shows continue to sell out at certain movie houses which brings me to the age old question that everyone has been asking- will “Slumdog Millionaire” bring home the Oscar?

The incredible team of co-director and casting agent Loveleen Tandon, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Simon Beaufoy

Well, it’s looking very good these days with the amount of accolades the movie has won and the world wide press it has received. The feel good film has indeed opened up the hearts of the critics and the public but it has also done something else pretty incredible- it showed the true spirit of Mumbai and the incredible energy the city breeds and all I want to say is if a kid from the slums can become a millionaire overnight then anything is possible!

Academy Awards nominations are on January 22, 2009 and the Oscars will be broadcast live on February 22, 2009 on ABC.

Ravi

www.foxsearchlight.com/slumdogmillionaire

SPECIAL NY EVENT COVERAGE: Nigel Barker Captures The Heart of Haiti Through His Lens

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Posted on January 20, 2009 by theravireport

For those that don’t know Nigel Barker well, there is really only one thing that you need to know about him-the man cares. Period. Plain and simple. Be it to help select America’s Next Top Model where Barker serves as a judge for several seasons or as a humanitarian, trying to save the seals from being butchered or bringing awareness to the severe living conditions of the people of Haiti, the multi- talented photographer, celebrity judge and world famous lensman just cares about people and humanity no matter what.

Nigel Barker and beautiful wife Cristen Chen at Edeyo charity event at Milk Studios.

Nigel Barker and beautiful wife Christen Chen at Edeyo charity event at Milk Studios.

That’s why it was no surprise to see over 800 people on January 8 attend the glamorous charity event unveiling Nigel’s newest exhibit “Hait:Hunger & Hope“at the prestigious and world famous Milk Studios in NY. (www.milkstudios.com). Nigel along with his stunning wife Christen celebrated with friends, guests & celebrities who came to support and view Nigel’s thought provoking photos from his recent trip to Haiti, a place where poverty is as common as a yellow cab in Manhattan. The charity event raised thousands of dollars as the beautiful people of NY came in droves and braved the bitter cold to help the celebrity photographer celebrate his new exhibit which ran until January 13.

The exhibit took guests inside the world of many Haitians desparate for change

The exhibit took guests inside the world of many Haitians hopeful for change.

The event was to benefit “Edeyo” (www.edeyo.org) an NY based organization that helps raise money for improvised children in Haiti. The benefit was attended by many well known people from the fashion, arts, music and business industries that came to support the well loved photographer. Nigel and his group travelled to Haiti last year during the food riots and documented what he saw with exclusive photographs and a film. The pictures were on display throughout the studio in larger than life sized prints, featuring some of the most beautiful children and people from Haiti I have ever seen. Barker captured the essence of how the Haitians live and how much they are in need of help from others. The daily struggles, the hardships and the glimmer of hope in the eyes of the children, were all captured by Nigel in his journey to Haiti.

Edeyo’s founder Unik Ernest and friends pose for The Ravi Report

I have known Nigel for years and when he wants to do something, he gets it done. He is very supportive of many organizations and continues to bring awareness to serious issues through his ability as a top lensman by capturing the essence of the subject matter from anywhere in the world he travels to. He tells a story through his camera, a special talent that only a few have and can utilize effectively.

From the Nigel Barker “Haiti: Hunger & Hope” collection.

For more information, do check out www.edeyo.org for a complete look at Nigel’s amazing work and how you can help the people of Haiti have a better life.

Ravi

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