Tag Archives: movies

The Ravi Reports Hits The Hamptons- Part 1

Featured

Posted on by

Colorful fall decor graces the entrance to Dr. Mark & Kelli Delaney-Kot's stylish Water Mill home

The summer is over but for  the folks that live in the world-famous  Hamptons, the fun and beauty continue all year around. Plain and simple.

Palatial mansions are a common site in the affluent South Hamptons.

Thanks to my gorgeous and dear friend Kelli Delaney-Kot owner of  the highly popular online magazine www.kdhamptons.com, a luxurious resource for all  things Hamptons  (and for those that want a sneak peek into the lives of the most influential town residents) The Ravi Report got to see the affluent and illustrious town recently and had the privilege  of attending  one of the most  awesome, stylish and glamorous parties hosted  by Delaney and her husband, the famous Hampton doctor, Mark Kot. A report on the amazing party with the most  colorful photographs you will ever see will be posted shortly. You will not want to miss the story!

Ravi Yande walks the pristine South Hampton beach.

The Hamptons as we all know is the place to be seen…no matter what part of the world-famous town you visit. Actors, writers, business professionals, celebrities and designers  ( the list goes on and on) make their homes in the luxurious and scenic town, not to mention the number of television shows (Royal Pains) and movies (Something Borrowed, Wall Street) that are filmed in the picture perfect town. Traditionally once Memorial Day  hits, thousands upon thousands of people from all over the United States  come to stay in the picturesque town absorbing the beauty, charm and sophistication during the summer season. For many, the summer would not be complete unless they stayed or visited the town with  some of the most expensive real estate in America.

The Ravi Report got a personal tour of the Southhampton  by the gracious Delaney (who by the way lives in a historical and stunning farm-house in Water Mill). We hit famous beaches,  visited some incredible celebrity-owned mansions on Gin Lane  and drove down to the charming and impressive Kot Cottage located on a private beach on the Great Peconic Bay. It was spectacular  folks.

The Southhampton  Coopers Beach was recently selected as the Best Beach in America by the renowned “Dr. Beach”, Dr. Stephen Leatherman,director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. The large white sand beach filled with beach grass and sand dunes is  home to some of the most beautiful birds in the world.  The prosperous Southhampton area also included miles of farmland, wineries, fine dining, historical buildings and of course beautiful people.

Bird on "patrol" in Cooper Beach!

A major surprise which I encountered during my visit to the Hamptons, was the sighting of four  massive Lord Ganesh idols in front of a hidden mansion owned by the millionaire Francesco Galesi.  The stone idols reminded me of the wealthy Bollywood stars homes in Mumbai that are “guarded” by larger than life Lord Ganesh idols.  They are clearly visible from the highway. I stopped and said a little prayer.

Found Lord Ganesh in Southhampton!

The sitting stone idols have an almost ancient, South Indian appeal  to them something that is often seen in the  Hindu temples in South India.

The owner of the mansion must have known all about the revered Hindu God for them to be placed out in front of the mansion.  It was indeed a true surprise to see these Lord Ganesh in the Hamptons!

Beautiful beaches, palatial homes and  gorgeous people all lead up to one of the most amazing Indian Night parties that I have ever been to (and I’ve been to a ton..trust me) given by one of the nicest and well-known editors in publishing Kelli Delaney-Kot. Stay tuned!

The journey continues…Hamptons and all!
Ravi

The Ravi Reports Hits The Hamptons- Part 1

Posted on by

Colorful fall decor graces the entrance to Dr. Mark & Kelli Delaney-Kot's stylish Water Mill home

The summer is over but for  the folks that live in the world-famous  Hamptons, the fun and beauty continue all year around. Plain and simple.

Palatial mansions are a common site in the affluent South Hamptons.

Thanks to my gorgeous and dear friend Kelli Delaney-Kot owner of  the highly popular online magazine www.kdhamptons.com, a luxurious resource for all  things Hamptons  (and for those that want a sneak peek into the lives of the most influential town residents) The Ravi Report got to see the affluent and illustrious town recently and had the privilege  of attending  one of the most  awesome, stylish and glamorous parties hosted  by Delaney and her husband, the famous Hampton doctor, Mark Kot. A report on the amazing party with the most  colorful photographs you will ever see will be posted shortly. You will not want to miss the story!

Ravi Yande walks the pristine South Hampton beach.

The Hamptons as we all know is the place to be seen…no matter what part of the world-famous town you visit. Actors, writers, business professionals, celebrities and designers  ( the list goes on and on) make their homes in the luxurious and scenic town, not to mention the number of television shows (Royal Pains) and movies (Something Borrowed, Wall Street) that are filmed in the picture perfect town. Traditionally once Memorial Day  hits, thousands upon thousands of people from all over the United States  come to stay in the picturesque town absorbing the beauty, charm and sophistication during the summer season. For many, the summer would not be complete unless they stayed or visited the town with  some of the most expensive real estate in America.

The Ravi Report got a personal tour of the Southhampton  by the gracious Delaney (who by the way lives in a historical and stunning farm-house in Water Mill). We hit famous beaches,  visited some incredible celebrity-owned mansions on Gin Lane  and drove down to the charming and impressive Kot Cottage located on a private beach on the Great Peconic Bay. It was spectacular  folks.

The Southhampton  Coopers Beach was recently selected as the Best Beach in America by the renowned “Dr. Beach”, Dr. Stephen Leatherman,director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research. The large white sand beach filled with beach grass and sand dunes is  home to some of the most beautiful birds in the world.  The prosperous Southhampton area also included miles of farmland, wineries, fine dining, historical buildings and of course beautiful people.

Bird on "patrol" in Cooper Beach!

A major surprise which I encountered during my visit to the Hamptons, was the sighting of four  massive Lord Ganesh idols in front of a hidden mansion owned by the millionaire Francesco Galesi.  The stone idols reminded me of the wealthy Bollywood stars homes in Mumbai that are “guarded” by larger than life Lord Ganesh idols.  They are clearly visible from the highway. I stopped and said a little prayer.

Found Lord Ganesh in Southhampton!

The sitting stone idols have an almost ancient, South Indian appeal  to them something that is often seen in the  Hindu temples in South India.

The owner of the mansion must have known all about the revered Hindu God for them to be placed out in front of the mansion.  It was indeed a true surprise to see these Lord Ganesh in the Hamptons!

Beautiful beaches, palatial homes and  gorgeous people all lead up to one of the most amazing Indian Night parties that I have ever been to (and I’ve been to a ton..trust me) given by one of the nicest and well-known editors in publishing Kelli Delaney-Kot. Stay tuned!

The journey continues…Hamptons and all!
Ravi

Jason Tanzer- Creative & Astute Entrepreneur

Featured

Posted on by

With summer in full swing and the beaches crowded with beautifully tanned  and picture perfect people,  I decided to take a break from the summer soirees one night and head to rent a movie with some of my best friends. Yeah, I know “dinner and a movie” is so over used but that’s the only way to really describe the night that I wanted.

So I went to rent some movies from my local movie rental place that I always go to – The Red Box.
With over 35, 000 locations around the country, I am sure that you all have heard about it.  The stylish red kiosk situated in the middle of your favorite grocery store, outside the library or in shopping centers standing tall and well, you know the drill-  you pick out your movie, pay and you are good to go! Simple and easy. To be able to walk up to a kiosk, choose your movie, pay and walk away is a terrific and great concept that has exploded across America and the UK.  No hassles, no waiting in line, no membership fees, nothing.
What many of you may not know is that the innovative concept for renting movies for a $1 from a dvd kiosk came from a very successful, intelligent and  business savvy New Yorker who first  developed the  $1/day DVD rentals in the country in 2001- Jason Tanzer.
Tanzer and his business partner created DVDXpress in 2001, the country’s first $1 DVD kiosk rental system  which expanded to over 1,000 locations  in 37 different states and in the UK.  Brilliant idea folks!
The concept eventually became so popular that Coinstar, the self-serving coin counting company saw the potential (not to mention the success) and  purchased DVDXpress and emerged the business into its redbox division.

Ravi Yande with successful entrepreneur Jason Tanzer

Tanzer  got the idea of renting movies from a kiosk while he was  traveling overseas in 2001 in Spain.
” I am always thinking about the next business idea no matter where I am,” Tanzer exclusively told The Ravi Report . ” What excites me is new and innovative ways to explore new  business opportunities  and when you get that “Eureka” moment like I did with DVDXpress, it’s an amazing feeling.” stated the industrious entrepreneur.
The NYU Business school top grad researched the DVD markets thoroughly to see what the future would be for DVD rentals and how traditional videos which were slowly eradicating out of the market.  He  knew right from the start the kiosk renting system would be successful from his research and intuitive sense of business.
 Why would people prefer to rent from a kiosk rather than online? Good question.
“It’s cheaper, faster and you get the newest selections at your finger tips,” said a very cute and tanned brunette holding two movies in her hand in front of the redbox kiosk in Princeton.
“You have no fuss about renting any movies. Plus, it’s a cool feeling going to a box and seeing the films you want. But I really do it for the convenient factor. I buy my groceries and pick up a movie on my way out,” said a very attractive blond college student with her nose pierced checking out the latest titles.
Tanzer says that the entrepreneur bug bit him in his early college years when he would travel the world to places like Africa, Spain and Italy (India is next on his list!!!) and explore business concepts that had yet to migrate to the United States.
But with all good ideas, comes the most important element and  usually the hardest thing to acquire- financing.
The entrepreneur reached out to friends, family and potential  investors for investments.  It was tough but he like any passionate and business minded individual, he persevered with diligence and after a successful business plan was able to get some interest.  But the one thing that Tanzer did to show just how much he believed in his business idea was to do what any hungry and ambitious entrepreneur would do- he put up his own money,  $15K to be exact and it certainly sparked an interest.  Tanzer  eventually received over $9 million from investors.
“In the business world, you have to take a risk no matter what the outcome. I took a risk and the outcome proved to be a good one because right from the beginning, I knew where the money would go, how the business would be scaled  and to be quite honest Ravi, failure was NEVER an option for me,” Tanzer stated.
Tanzer now runs an investment holding company and continues to travel the world looking for other business ideas and concepts and whenever he passes  a redbox kiosk, he quickly smiles with a bit of satisfaction.
“It’s been a great experience to see an industry get built from the ground floor up.”
Spoken like a true pioneer.
The journey continues….movies and all.
Ravi

Harold & Lee Make “Falling For Grace” Worth Falling For!

Featured

Posted on by

Actor Gale Harold smiles exclusively for The Ravi Report

We enter the restaurant and female fans  were already lined up to get his autograph. We sit down and pretty girls start to tap on the window just to get his attention and hopefully a picture. He obliges with a smile.

That’s just the kind of guy actor Gale Harold is. Respectful and unassuming.  The talented actor was in NY recently promoting his  new romantic comedy movie “Falling For Grace” which he co-stars with the beautiful and talented actress Faye Ann Lee. You want to see  some on-screen great chemistry? Then you have got to see this movie folks!

“It’s not just a comedy. It’s relevant and culturally meaningful,” states the 40-year-old actor known for his most recent role as Terri Hatcher’s love interest Jackson Braddock  in “Desperate Housewives” and for his provocative role as Brian Kinney in the 2005  Showtime  television series “Queer As Folk“.

In “Falling For Grace”, Harold plays the role of Andrew James Barrington Jr., a rich, eligible bachelor who falls for the pretty and witty Grace Tang played by actress-writer-director- Fay Ann Lee. Without giving to much of the story away, the two accidently meet and with a few misunderstandings mixed in with a few white lies, you get a  surprised romance that everyone will enjoy.  The chemistry is written into the script so well that both Harold & Lee should do more movies together. Both are terrific actors by the way.

The LA based actor known mostly for his serious, dark and internal acting, takes on this light and comical  role with ease. Lee is simply a natural born actress. The moment you see her, she lights up the screen!

“To be able to work in NY is a great think and I really enjoyed the script and the realistic aspects of it,” says the accomplished  actor who travels back to the Big Apple whenever he gets an opportunity.

Actors Gale Harold and Clem Cheung attend the Q&A session after a special screening.

Harold has an impressive list of credentials. In addition to  “Desperate Housewives” the actor also has appeared on numerous top shows included “Grey’s Anatomy“, “Vanished” and “Deadwood“. This is his first comedy romance film.

” I would like to try to develope ideas for television involving comedy because I like comedy performance and maybe with the freedom & input to talk developement as well for other shows,” asserts the actor.

Maybe a little stand-up comedy action also?

” Oh boy, that’s not me…to me that is the most terrifying thing I have ever seen. I’m not that brave,”  laughs the actor.

Since he’s done it all (stage, TV and film)  Harold believes it’s all relative and that the quality of work has always been his first priority rather than the medium.

“I think as long as you are fortunate enough to get an opportunity to get good work at what you love doing, it’s worth it, ” expresses Harold.

Fond of French and Italian cuisine the actor  likes to travel to places like Mexico and Paris and even enjoys Bollywood films on his days off.

“I would love to go to India and I loved Slumdog Millionaire,”  smiles the actor who recently  finished a limited engagement  of  Tennessee Williams “Orpheus Descending” in LA which opened to great reviews.

Ravi Yande, top model Richie Kul and beautiful actress Fay Ann Lee pose for The Ravi Report

Television and film actress Fay Ann Lee is driven. Plain and simple. She has not only proven that she can she act but also that she can write  an outstanding script and direct a great film. The multi-talented Hong Kong born filmmaker is proactive in nature and thanks to her dedication and passion, “Falling For Grace” was born.  Lee is hopeful that her film will create oppportunities  other Asian actors who have not yet gotten their major break.  The filmmaker started writing the script almost ten years ago while she was in “Ms. Saigon” because she felt there were no mainstream roles for Asians who are immensely talented actors she says and didn’t stop until her film was made. Not only did she direct, write and act in the film, she also spent years  raising money to make the film then travelled around the country promoting it.

Harold is all smiles for The Ravi Report

Her efforts paid off when it became one of the opening films of the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival with a star-studded red carpet. The film has also been featured at other film festivals including Los Angeles Asian Film Festival and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. The film also had a special star studded premiere in March at the world famous Asia Society in Manhattan.

The multi-talented astute actress has  been nominated for an Emerging Artist Award by The White House Project so please you vote for this amazing actress  by March 31st!! Time is ticking!!

http://thewhitehouseproject.org/epic/emerging_artist.php

“Falling For Grace”  continues to play until April 1 at Big Cinema in NY. (www.us.bigcinemas.com) so get your tickets fast! For more information regarding the movie, check out the website at www.fallingforgrace.com.

The journey continues…

Ravi

Bridges Is “Crazy Heart” Ready for An Oscar.

Featured

Posted on by

Oscar nominated Jeff Bridges poses exclusively for The Ravi Report

If you know Jeff Bridges, then you already know that he is one of the finest actors to come out of Hollywood today.  The recent winner of  The Golden Globe Award for the Best Drama Actor Category and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Actor and now an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role,  the iconic actor  is riding high on cloud nine these days with all his wins and recognition for his prodigious  acting  in “Crazy Heart” and rightfully so- he deserves every second of it. Every second!

The renowned actor  has entertained millions over the last three decades with his charm,  magnetic screen presence and the ability to turn a make-believe character into a believable one.  Did someone mention “The Big Lebowski” just now? I thought so. Another exceptional  film by the way.

Bridges most recent  films “Men Who Stare At Goats” with George Clooney, “Iron Man” with Robert Downey Jr. have all done well at the box office but in terms of raw talent stemming from the core of his soul, “Crazy Heart” beats them hands down.

Bridges plays the role of Bad Blake, a down-on-your luck-washed-up alcoholic country-and- western  singer who goes from playing  sold out stadium shows to singing in dingy bars and dark bowling alleys. His luck and life change when he meets beautiful  journalist & single mom Jeane Craddock, played by the stunning Maggie Gyllenhaal  who is  assigned to cover Blake’s visit to her town. Gyllenhaal performance earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress .   The two fall in love but certain circumstances prevent them from following their hearts.   Ok folks, that’s all I’m giving away but I will say that  first-time director,  producer  & screenwriter Scott Cooper  is a genius. Plain and simple.

Oscar nominated Maggie Gyllenhaal smiles for The Ravi Report

The five time Oscar nominated actor  has Hollywood buzzing  about  whether or not Bridges will be bringing home the golden statue this year.   Can five be his lucky number? Keep your fingers crossed!!

Actor Jeff Bridges shares a laugh with The Ravi Report

If you’ve seen the movie, I’m pretty sure you will agree  that Bridges’s captivating performance is  Oscar worthy.  Oh, did I mention that the actor  also does an awesome job singing in the film?  The talented singer  sang  the  songs  that were especially written for him by his long time friend and prolific music producer  T Bone Burnett who also served as composer of the soundtrack along with  rodeo star turned songwriter Ryan Bingham.  The theme song “The Weary Kind” sung by Bridges,  won a Golden Globe for Best Original song and has also been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.  Did I mention that the actor  is also the executive producer of the film? Bridges has many talents as I came to find out when The Ravi Report met up with the well-loved actor recently in New York  to talk about “Crazy Heart” and his award-winning singing.

RR: Jeff, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. You did an incredible job as Bad Blake in ‘Crazy Heart“. But besides the powerful acting, you also sang the playback for the film as well as served as one of the executive producers. How did you manage to balance it all?

JB: Thanks very much. I looked at it as one thing really. I bring everything I got to work whatever film I work on. As far a producing goes, I had a great team to work with and they all worked very hard to make this film happen.

They certainly did. In addition to playing the role  as Bridges’s close friend Wayne Kramer in the film, legendary actor Robert Duvall also served as one of the film’s producers.

RR: Your singing seems as if it’s coming from your soul. How did you prepare for such emotional  & poetic songs? 

JB: Well thank you. Well, I trained with vocal coach Roger Love and of course the amazing T Bone who created the songs for me. I’ve known T Bone  for years.

The talented actor goes on to talk about how  T Bone  was instrumental in Bridges mastering the songs, the lyrics and the emotions to the songs that have done so well around the world.

But what is the real secret behind the success of the film?  Everybody seems to have the right but let me tell you what I honestly think here. Bridges took on a role that he was pretty much born to play. Sure the other roles in the past (The Last Picture Show, Thunderbolt & Lightfoot, Starman & The Contender) in which he received Oscar nominations for were amazing and Bridges exemplified his talents beyond anyone’s expectations, but in “Crazy Heart” you see the Hollywood A lister  in a role that no other actor could have mastered so brilliantly.  Plain and simple.

The Oscars are on  Sunday, March 7, 2010. 

www.foxsearchlight.com/crazyheart/ 

The journey continues… 

Ravi