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

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Posted on August 17, 2009 by theravireport

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

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

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

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

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

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

But he is still unknown to Americans.

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

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

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

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

A few I spoke to however were a bit skeptical.

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

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

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

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

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

The journey continues…
Ravi

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

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Posted on June 29, 2009 by theravireport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ravi

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

“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

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

NY GALA ALERT: DEC. 15: CHARITY:WATER GALA: GIVE THE DRINK OF LIFE

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Posted on December 4, 2008 by admin

The next time you pick up a fancy bottle of crystal clear water and are about to quench your thirst, take a second if you will to just imagine that bottle of water being filthy, muddy and filled with bacteria and other elements dangerous to your health. Not very appealing, huh? Well, thanks to Scott Harrison Founder and President of Charity:Water organization, www.charitywater.org, thousands of people around the world now have safe and clean drinking water. Through his dedication and endless efforts Scott & his team have been providing clean and healthy drinking water to thousands in underdeveloped countries that are subjected to dirty and unhealthy drinking water.

In two years Charity:Water has developed 1, 030 water projects in 13 countries allowing 500K people to have clean and safe drinking clean water. Now that’s incredible!

His annual Charity:Water Gala Benefit scheduled on December 15, 2008 at The Metropolitan Pavillion located at 125 West 18th Street brings out the best of New Yorkers and is a way for people to help donate and help numerous countries including Africa, India and Guyana to have clean drinking water. Tickets for the gala can be purchased online at www.charitywater.org.

Talented Actor and long time supporter Adrian Grenier will co-host Charity:Water Benefit on Dec. 15.

I attended and covered the event last year and let me say one thing. It was simply incredible. 1500 of the most beautiful, elegantly dressed and generous people you will ever meet. Large poster size images of children from around the world are displayed through the venue attached with stories about how their lives have been changed through Charity:Water. A list celebrities, supermodels, socialites & famous New Yorkers mingled with the guests during the night learning more about the organization and how they can help. Glamorous red carpet arrivals laced with celebrities and national press all came out to support Scott and his wonderful organization. Honestly, it’s an event that you don’t want to miss!

The most rewarding part of the evening is you get to see how your donations are being utilized around the world and how many people are benefiting from the generosity of others. All for the sake of clean drinking water. It’s a great feeling.

For all those “Entourage” fans, the gala this year will be hosted by superstar Adrian Grenier who is as humble as any star can be along side the stunning supermodel and very gracious Jessica Stam. I met and interviewed both of them last year and the passion and concern for people is visibly seen in their eyes.

Co-hosts supermodel Jessica Stam and actor Adrien Grenier are long time supporters of Charity:Water

A $20 dollar bottle of water can give so many people the drink for life. That’s a price of a movie these days with oily popcorn. Just think, after you watch the movie and eat the popcorn, what do you have? Nothing. A $20 dollar donation goes 100 percent towards building water wells and providing clean water for the people of Africa and other nations. I spoke to a few patrons last year at the gala who had travelled to the countries where Scott has done work and were so pleased with the progress Charity:Water is doing they continue to support his work.So the next time you pick up that clean, sparkling bottle of water, you may want to think of Charity:Water and how you can help in spreading the wealth of clean and safe drinking water. The event sells out fast so for tickets go online at www.charitywater.org.Hope to see you at the event!Ravi