Please give a small bio of yourself. 

My name is Ravneet Sehmi. 

Rasna, Rasmalai, Ravdeep, Robert, Ranveer, Roseline, Ravi and Mr Sehmi are just some names others have confidently squealed at me as they addressed me. So what if the names have changed my gender, culture and religion? I’ve taken it all in my stride, because we are all humans and to be human is to err.

Over the years in the media industry, the list of names has gotten long(er), I just thought I’d pull out the common ones to set the record straight, as it’s not often, I get interviewed. You see, I’m usually the interviewer. So, thanks Kamal for the window of opportunity. 

From an innocent, wide-eyed intern at The Star, I pushed to a feature’s correspondent and then eventually moved ship to being a reporter at The Asian Weekly, slowly working my way up to Sub-Editor and then to the helm, as Managing Editor at the editorial desk.

I’m a student of life, forever unlearning and relearning life’s experiences and moments – both good and bad. I’m in for the full ride and the entire spectrum of emotions that comes with it.

Travelling and exploring new places with my family and friends, is something I live for.

A self-professed hopeless animal lover, and a ‘pawrent’ to acharming 5-year-old Jack Russel Terrier named, Dash.

Brilliant singer, if I may say so myself! Okay fine… bathroom singer and admittedly, destroyer of song lyrics.

Believer of be good, do good.

LOADING… A minuscule spark in the beginning of a spiritual journey.

Catch up with me on Instagram as @ravluski and on Facebook as Ravneet Sehmi.

 

Describe yourself. 

If seen from a spectrum, I’m a person who is yet to completely find herself.

When comfortable with the people around me, I’m an entertainer, often times an amateur stand-up comedian. I get a kick of satisfaction when I make someone laugh, till their tears come rolling down, and they pee in their pants a little. Then my work is done.

I organise small scale experiences and events like bridal and baby showers or private themed birthdays. 

I bake. 

I’m a loyal, hopeless romantic and a creative who enjoys a challenge.

 

How do you think people perceive you?

I hope they see me as a funny, confident, approachable and compassionate person. If they don’t, that’s okay too. I can only control what’s in my hands, not what’s in theirs.

 

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car? 

I think of creative ways to tell stories, what my next feature article will be, I sing really loudly or solve riddles.

 

Tell us something we don’t know. 

How many friendships have you ruined because you refused to play a game of Monopoly mercifully?

Thankfully, not too many. But after this, I’m sure the numbers may increase. Mono-pole losers!

How long does it take you to scroll through Instagram before you eventually give up? 

Give up is not in my vocabulary.

Nah, kidding. I used to get into Instagram vortexes before and that would last easily 2 to 5 hours. Now, I have self-control.So, maybe a total of an hour or slightly more in a day.

 

What do you think cats dream about?

All the ‘cat’astrophes they will create when they wake up.

If you were a Disney/ mythological character, who would you choose to be?

Easy… I’d be Stitch from Lilo & Stitch. Remember that illegal, blue extra-terrestrial alien, who is mischievous, unpredictable and at first a pain in the a** but after peeling back some layers, he just wants to be loved and accepted. He taught me about the principle of Ohana. “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”

You’ve got to give one up:

Coffee 

Cheese 

Mein cheese badi hu mast mast and I dream of having Koffee with Karan 😊.  I’d give up either. Just don’t say chocolate. 

What do you think is completely overrated in this world? 

Living up to people’s expectations. 

People judge others in a heartbeat – and then it is for these people, you’ll bend over backwards and try to please them. Learn to let it go. It’s hard but it’s possible too.

Other people’s expectations aren’t what your life should be about. Live up to your own expectations and you’ll be happier. 

What series are you watching currently and would you recommend it to others? 

I hate to admit it, but I started Vampire Diaries, again!

They’re just fang–tastic. I am a “sucker” for vampire films and series. Team Damon and Team Edward (Twilight) – all the way.

I’m also enjoying The Chef’s Table on Netflix.

If you have no financial restrictions at all, what would be the one thing you would buy for yourself? 

I’d buy a beautiful home in the suburbs here with a massive garden with a view to die for, where many dogs and some kids would happily play, while I sip on some cocktails.

Do you ever compliment yourself? Do you acknowledge your success or the good job that you’re doing? 

Unfortunately, there was a time, I was so critical of myself. If it wasn’t perfect, it wasn’t good enough. I wouldn’t even acknowledge small victories and achievements. 

But thankfully, that’s changed. And though it still doesn’t happen as often as it should, I make it a point to pat myself on the back more often now than ever before. 

I’ve learnt to see the effort and the determination behind something, and I recognise my contribution and I’m grateful for it.

It’s as they say, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.”

Who applauds your success the most? 

My hands, when they come together & apart 😊

Jokes aside, I’ve been blessed with a small but strong support system that constantly remind me of my hard work and successes. I’m forever filled with gratitude for them.

Five worldly possessions you cannot live without. 

My perfumes.

My phone.

My carefully handpicked accessories – western and Indian.

My Pajamas.

A medium to firm pillow.

What’s your favourite holiday destination that you’ll go to again and again? 

Maldives. I felt alive and most at peace when I was there a year ago. Our flights were scheduled to be 5 days in Maldives and then 5 days in Dubai. I loved the place so much, I wanted to extend the remaining days but couldn’t. so, I’d return in a heartbeat.

 

What’s your honest opinion on family Whatsapp groups? 

I don’t mind them as long as I’m not required to participate daily. But highly detest, unnecessary good morning and good night forwards.

Lastly, you’ve been gifted an elephant. You can’t give it away or sell it. What would you do with it? 

I’d be overjoyed. I’d name it Trumpet – works for a female or male elephant. And Trumpet would come stay in our big garden, where mud baths, milk, tree bark, twigs, fruits, grass and roots will be aplenty. We would also do movie night with Trumpet every other day.