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

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Posted on July 6, 2009 by theravireport

The UN welcomes culture & art together through wildlife photographs

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

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

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

The Harp seal smiles for Nigel Barker.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giraffes from the African wildlife by Luo Hong

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

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

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

World famous lensman Nigel Barker smiles for The Ravi Report

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

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

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

The Journey continues…

Ravi

MoMA Welcomes “The New India” Film Festival.

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Posted on June 12, 2009 by theravireport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The journey continues…

Ravi

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

“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

Mumbai Attacks: Way To Close To Home

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Posted on December 5, 2008 by admin

The world has now become very familiar with Mumbai. Not because of some blockbuster Bollywood extravaganza or some technological discovery but for the worst terrorist attack ever that killed more than 170 innocent people sending shock waves through the city of 19 million people.

It was way to close to home.

For me, Mumbai is my second home. For almost two decades, as an journalist & producer, I have travelled to the exotic city for stories, personal visits, Bollywood interviews, weddings, film premieres, you name it..I have gone to Mumbai for it! I have seen the city transform over the years into a modern, energetic and incredible place for the world to visit.

Picture of the majestic Taj Hotel taken on my last trip to India in 2006.

Special memories of dining at the Taj Hotel attending social gatherings and Bollywood parties at the historical venue or just hanging out with friends while enjoying a strong cup of chai at the Leopold Cafe, were all flashing before my eyes as I saw the attacks on television. Could this be really happening? I had to ask that question to myself over and over again in disbelief.

The Taj? No way. I thought places like the Taj were not targets of terror but luxurious places of safety & pleasure. But like many of us, I was boldly incorrect and a bit naive I might add as well.

The first thing I did was text all my friends/relatives/contacts to make sure they were ok. Thank God they were. Then I continued to get updated text messages from my journalist friends staying in Mumbai telling me what was happening. They were scared and filled with uncertainty- I can sense it in their texts. Many had rushed to shelter in strangers apts for the moment while others made quick new friends trying to get out of the city back to NY. A few were concerned about the safety of the other historical buildings like the famed Gate of India or the famous temples. At that particular moment, nothing seemed safe said one contact.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus that was attacked really hit close to home. I have been to and travelled to that station dozens of times over the years. Even in the worst monsoon season with torrential downpours, that station never closes. But all I could see on TV were empty halls & blood stained floors.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, India. A lifeline for millions of daily commuters.

The last time I was in India, a bomb went off near another hotel I was staying at in Mumbai and immediately the staff advised all of us foreigners to stay in our rooms and not to open the door until told to do so. Flashbacks were coming back indeed.

The attacks maybe over, but the residue and images of terror will be lingering on for time to come. “The city is slowly getting back to normal” said my friend Rahul, an producer in Mumbai. “But there is a still a bit of a fear factor in the eyes of people walking the streets” he cautiously commented.

I am planning on going to Mumbai soon with my best friends. The trip was planned way before the attacks. “Are you still going to go?” asks my friend Rachel who like many who are concerned about people going to India now. “Of course without a doubt “. I replied.

Without a doubt.

Ravi

Live As If You Were To Die Tomorrow, Learn As If You Would Live Forever- Mohandas Gandhi

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Posted on October 15, 2008 by admin

A profound statement made by one of the world’s most revered and respected leaders Mohandas Gandhi. To many of us, he was simply known as Gandhi.

Greetings from The Ravi Report!

So much to talk about and cover folks!

As a global news journalist and producer, I thought it was time to have an extension of my thoughts & comments about people that I have interviewed, places that I have visited and reported from and film or charity events that I have attended and covered. Mixed that in with exclusive interviews with celebrities,

Actor Tom Cruise poses for The Ravi Report at his movie premier "Valkyrie" in NY.

Actor Tom Cruise poses exclusively for The Ravi Report at his movie premiere.

Bollywood personalities and profiles on people making headlines around the word and you have (drum roll please) “The Ravi Report”.

As a seasoned media professional & news journalist for the past decade, I have interviewed & reported on some of the most interesting and news worthy topics, met incredible and engaging personalities from all walks of life, travelled to foreign cities for stories and covered enough red carpet premieres and events to write a book!

Whether it’s a leading A list Hollywood celebrity like the charismatic and charming John Travolta and his beautiful and very gracious wife Kelly Preston at a NY film premiere

Actor John Travolta and Kelly Preston at “Death Sentence” premiere NY

telling me about their latest private airplane ride (he’s a pilot) or where they plan on going to for the holidays or having tea with the world’s most recorded singer (12,000 songs and counting) Asha Bhosle who spoke about her latest projects with foreign singers, her popular restaurants around the world and her love for NY and Broadway, the famous personalities that I have met and interviewed, have been charming, personable and interesting to talk to.

The world's most recorded singer, Asha Bhosle taking a break before a NY concert.

I have learned and explored the world of entertainment and international news by becoming interested in what people are all about and what they have to say. Plain and simple.

A big part of “The Ravi Report” will also feature and cover special events in NYC attended by prominent personalities from all areas of interests who either support their favorite charity or colleague in a film or like to lend their name for a good cause. For example. the annual Charity:Water gala is one of the biggest and most talked about event in NY and is attended by New York’s beautiful, glamorous, generous and the most kind hearted folks you will ever meet. From the red carpet arrivals to the after parties of premieres, charity events, benefits or art show openings, The Ravi Report will bring you the latest interviews , commentary and photos from as many events as possible. In addtion, special benefits, social mixers and celebrity events will all be featured in the report with a different side to what is tradtionally reported or seen in mainstream media. Behind the scenes, special exclusive interviews and the lastest styles in fashions, will all be featured in the blog. But one of the most interesting things about The Report Report is that I hope to bring a mixture of news not only happening in the enteratinment world but also in the business or media world that will be making headlines around the world.

Supermodel Jessica Stam and megastar Adrian Grenier smile for The Ravi Report at the Charity:Water gala in NY.

As a entertainment & features reporter attending and covering numerous events in Manhattan for years, I’ve learned that celebrities, filmmakers, global personalities and supermodels often have a lot to say about their favorite cause or about themselves that they sometimes don’t want to talk about in a “staged interview”. I also find they are more laid back and often show a more personable and humorous side to their personality when being interviewed at a premiere, charity event or film festival.

Michelle Monahan & designer Tom Brown pose for The Ravi Report

I hope you find my blog interesting, exciting, informative and of course newsworthy!

The journey begins…

RAVI