Lisa Ray: From Bollywood Glamour to Cancer Survivor and Advocate

• Lisa Ray, a Canadian-born actress, transitioned from a successful model to an actress, making her breakthrough in films like "Kasoor" (2001) and "Bollywood/Hollywood" (2002).
• She stepped away from Bollywood in 2001, feeling creatively constrained and that her individuality was being undermined, despite numerous offers.
• Lisa moved to London, studied acting at Balliol College, Oxford, and immersed herself in learning, spirituality, and self-reflection, exploring Buddhism, yoga, and art.
• After a break, she returned to independent cinema, starring in critically acclaimed films like the Oscar-nominated "Water" (2005) and normalizing queer representation in roles like "I Can't Think Straight" and "Four More Shots Please!".
• Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009, she overcame cancer, became an advocate for mental health, published her memoir "Close to the Bone," and became a mother at 46.

Why It Matters: Lisa Ray's journey highlights her resilience, artistic integrity, and advocacy, overcoming challenges from career to cancer.