Capitalizing on Slumdog success, NBC taps Indo-American music director for TV show

MUMBAI: Capitalizing on the success of Slumdog Millionaire, Ravi Drums, inarguably one of the most explosive live performers to hit the electronic music scene, has been given the opportunity to showcase his talents in NBC's newest reality program, Howie Do It, alongside legendary comedian and actor Howie Mandel from NBC's other reality program, Deal Or No Deal.

The show, which premiered on 9 January, is an unscripted comedy series that follows Mandel in disguise as he pulls various pranks on unsuspecting victims throughout the show. Drums serve as Mandel's sidekick, house band and DJ, ala Paul Shaffer and Max Weinberg, the musical sidekicks from David Letterman and Conan O'Brien respectively.  

Drums, who will hold the position of musical director for the show, has embraced the opportunity and created a new brand of live entertainment never before seen on prime-time television.

With the success of entertainment such as this year's breakout film, Slumdog Millionaire, and its accompanying award-winning soundtrack, an appreciation for Indian culture and Bollywood talent is obviously increasing in Hollywood. In fact, Drums will be the first Indian-American musical director, and the first DJ, on a primetime television show.  

Drums, a familiar face to Hollywood's elite, has performed with the likes of Paula Abdul, Ricky Martin, Will Smith and the Black Eyed Peas.

"Being a part of Howie Do It is truly one of the greatest opportunities of my life. Being the only DJ on prime time TV is an incredible honor and I feel very blessed. Howie's work ethic is completely inspiring, I've never seen anyone be so brilliant and work so hard," said Drums.

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