Lisa Ray talks life as an actor, her mission as good will ambassador, about being a triumphant cancer survivor and the future. With a refreshingly positive take on life that never lets her down, Lisa Ray is one of the most apt examples of how to live a full and beautiful life!
Mega Modelz: Your life threatening fight with cancer and survival has been an inspirational journey for us all and we applaud you whole heatedly for your courage, grit and determination. How would you describe your fight for survival, recovery and health?
Lisa Ray: It's hard to encapsulate this experience in a line. But I am full of gratitude for everything; for the experiences; the people who supported me and for still being here.
MM: What has been that motivating factor that kept you fighting during those troubled times?
Lisa: Humour. A light touch is the greatest gift. I had to laugh a lot and it was my strongest medicine.
MM: It must feel great to be back in action and working, what did you miss most about it?
Lisa: I don't feel like my 'life' was on pause while I was getting treated for cancer. It's a continuum and it was simply a different approach towards living. I don't feel like I missed out on anything because there have been many important lessons learned and a growth which I experienced.
MM: What would you say is the most “Indian” thing about you?
Lisa: There's no way to answer that. I can't cut myself open to find my 'Indianness'. However it resides in me, it is in the fabric of who I am and how I see the world.
MM: Your upcoming work with Plan
Lisa: I have been one of the Canadian Ambassadors for Plan
It's a very worthy cause. It is all about the upliftment of the Girl Child in the developing areas of the world,
MM: Your blog, “Yellow Diaries” has received a large amount of attention and loyal readers with your witty yet insightful posts. Is writing something you have always been fond of?
Lisa: Always. I believe writing will become an increasingly important mode of expression for me. If I had not fallen into the profession of acting and modelling I would have been a writer, or even a journalist.
MM: How has the process of writing you first book been?
Lisa: I've just started and it's exhilarating but also requires a lot of time and focus.
MM: Any new movie projects in the pipeline?
Lisa: Nothing lined up for the moment as I've been concentrating on healing still. But I have been developing a few projects on the side.
MM: How important is it for you to be an actor and participate in the world of cinema?
Lisa: I love cinema, but it's more important for me to participate in all aspects of life and living.
MM: You speak a lot of Moksha Yoga and meditation - how has it helped you at a personal level?
Lisa: The goal of yoga is to help one see more clearly and to reduce 'avidya' or incorrect comprehension. Not just when one is in a challenging situation- such as dealing with illness- but even in everyday life; our decisions are overshadowed by all the random thoughts in our minds. Yoga helps to quieten the mind so we can live our life with confidence and in peace.
MM: Given your gorgeous figure, one must ask the quintessential - what is your fitness regime?
Lisa: A lot of yoga these days. Clean living. What I eat is very important. I don't restrict my eating but I have cut back on eating out and make whole, organic choices now. I have cut out sugar, wheat and dairy from my diet and feel wonderful for it.
MM: What is your opinion of Indian fashion as it stands today? How closely are you associated with it now?
Lisa: From what I see, I'm impressed by the sophistication in the industry today. I try to buy most of my formal garments in
