Actor Lisa Ray Wows Atlantans
First, at Bhindi Jewelers, as ambassadress for Rado Watches, then at the High Museum where she officially opened the Indian Film Festival.
In the film Water, she may have played a role of a demure and hapless widow, but in a real life appearance in Atlanta, the stunning, warm, articulate, charismatic and intelligent Lisa Ray won over many fans. Voted amongst the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Women of the Millennium in India," Ray was in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 25th.
Sponsored by Rado watch company, for whom Ray is the international brand ambassadress, she had come to inaugurate the Indian Film Festival at the High Museum of Art with a screening of Water, a film where she has a lead role. Starting at about 3 p.m. at Bhindi Jewelers in Decatur, Ray regaled fans, signed autographs, and graciously availed herself for photos ops and media interviews.
"I have modeled for many products, yet I am very picky about my brands. I do not model anymore. But Rado is special because I am the official Ambassadress and spokesperson for it. My association pre-dates my official affiliation with it. My father had a Rado watch. It is a lovely brand to be associated with and has emotional ties with India that go beyond the commercial enterprise," she responded to a query about Rado.
Her next stop was a private reception held in her honor by the Georgia Indo American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) and The High Museum, at the Law Offices of Arnold, Golden and Gregory, LLP. The high-rise offices with a view of the Atlanta skyline served as a befitting venue for a star. She came in and immediately mingled with the eager crowd. After a formal introduction by Ani Agnihotri of GIACC, she offered a brief primer of Water and invited guests to the screening that was to follow at the Rich Theater at the High Museum.
The scene at the theater was a testimony to the strength of the film and the lure of this ravishing star. Hundreds found themselves without a ticket, even as the theater was packed over capacity. Linda Dubler, Curator of Media Arts at the High admitted being overwhelmed, and said that she had never seen such excitement and crowds for any film in the five years of hosting the Indian Film Festival at the High.
Dubler's glowing introduction of Ray caused the normally composed and confident star to blush and cover her face in a mock act of embarrassment. After the screening, Ray hung around for a Q&A session.
- Viren Mayani
[For Khabar's exclusive interview see "Chai and Chit-Chat with Lisa Ray" in this issue]
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