LISA RAY: Close to the Bone and Stories From the Heart

Published: June 25, 2021, 11:54 p.m.

b"One of India's first supermodels. Actor. Cancer survivor. Mother of twins through surrogacy. Woman of no fixed address.\\nToday I am honored to interview cross cultural phenomenon Lisa Ray.\\nShe is an internationally acclaimed performer, philanthropist and star with a reputation for taking on challenging issue-oriented films. Raised in Canada by an Indian father and Polish mother, Ray was discovered while on vacation in India and went on to become not only one of the most successful cover models and celebrities in India but also an acclaimed, award-winning actress who starred in Canada\\u2019s Oscar nominated film, Water, amongst other prestigious credits. Named one of the \\u2018Ten most beautiful Indian women of the millenium\\u2019 by a Times of India poll, Ray cemented her profile as an iconic figure in India before leaving for drama school in London and opportunities around the world.\\nAlong the way, Ray found time along the way to host her own entertainment show in India, filmed a landmark music video for Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, and became the enduring brand ambassador for Rado Watches.\\nIn 2009, Ray attended the Toronto International Film Festival in support of her work in two films. The event marked an important public announcement, in which Ray chose to share her diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma with media and the public. The outpouring of support was immediate and overwhelming. She also started a blog (\\u2018The Yellow Diaries\\u2019) to share her cancer experiences. Her forthrightness and humour in navigating a difficult illness have earned her the attention and respect of people from all corners of the world, as well as \\u2018The Voice Achievers Award, 2009\\u2019 and \\u2018The Hope Award, 2010\\u2019. Ray went on to help raise funds for the establishment of the first research chair for Multiple Myeloma at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Ray\\u2019s philanthropic interests range from taking part in the on-air drive for SickKids Hospital to Ambassador of Plan Canada\\u2019s \\u2018Because I Am A Girl\\u2019 campaign, a global movement that supports the rights of girls around the world.\\nIn 2019, Lisa released her memoirs Close to The Bone. \\u201cAn unflinching, deeply moving account of her nomadic existence: her entry into the Indian entertainment industry at sixteen; her relationship with her Bengali father and Polish mother; life on the movie sets and her brush with the Oscars; her battle with eating disorders; being diagnosed with multiple myeloma at thirty-seven; her spiritual quest; lovers and traitors, mentors and dream-makers; and the heartaches and triumphs along the way. It is also about Lisa's quest for love. Funny, charming, and gut-wrenchingly honest all at once, Close to the Bone is Lisa Ray's brave and inspiring story of a life lived on her terms.\\u201d\\nLisa and her husband Jason Dehni have two lovely daughters, Sufi and Soleil."