An enigma called Lisa Ray

She’s always been unconventional in her choice of films and equally maverick in her personal life. Probably why the Trailblazer Award Lisa Ray won recently is almost a personal vindication for the way she’s chosen to live her life.

“I’m very honoured, especially to be recognised for my unique and unusual choices as an actress,” the stunningly beautiful actress told After Hrs. She was last seen as the child widow in Mira Nair’s controversial film Water which won international acclaim but still hasn’t been able to manage a public release in India. Her newest — I Can’t Think Straight — may prove equally prickly. It has her playing a lesbian, agonising over the  decision to come out of the closet. But there’s no worry creasing her pretty brow.

In fact, Lisa says she’d now like to make a film about gays and lesbians for Bollywood.  “Yes, I would like to make it for India. I believe everyone has an innate right to dignity and self-respect,” she says. For the moment though, she’s looking forward to the gala premiere of Cooking With Stella and Defendor (where she is cast opposite Woody Harrelson) at the Toronto International Film Festival.

With her career going great guns in international cinema, are chances of her returning to Bollywood that much bleaker? “I am always stunned and flattered to have been consistently approached by Bollywood filmmakers over the years despite the fact I’ve only done one Hindi film. But if I am offered a Bollywood film now, I would consider it as I do other projects,” she says.

The only hurdle, she rues, is the logistical nightmare of simultaneously managing a career in India and abroad. “The challenge is juggling my life here and there. Long distance travel and airport lounges are the bane of my existence,” she almost sighs.

While time has been a precious commodity for her, the Afreen muse has slowed down a bit after her mother’s recent demise.

“It has been a time to spend reconnecting with all my near and dear ones. I’ve also been involved with Plan Canada and its charitable activities, specifically a campaign for the girl child that will launch shortly called Because I am a Girl. I’m also reconnecting with Toronto — it’s the city I grew up in, but still haven’t spent much time in,” she says.

Did you know
In 2007, Lisa Ray did the film Kill Kill Faster Faster - a contemporary film noir inspired by the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Joel Rose. She appeared nude in the movie and in a few uninhibited sex scenes.