‘I am now Lisa Ray 2.0’

Model-turned-actress Lisa Ray was recently in the news when she was detected with cancer. But Ray, post her stem cell transplant, flaunts her fighter spirit and is now cancer-free. Speaking to DNA, Ray describes herself a graduate, instead of survivor.

Talking about her recovery, she says, “I am now Lisa 2.0 — I have got a second chance  and I want to make the most of it. I will soon be writing a book on my experiences during the cancer phase. But I am not a survivor any longer, I am now a graduate. I am happy to spread awareness as it is something we often take for granted and later regret. Work is important, but isn’t life most important? I have prioritised my life now, and health tops the list. But that doesn’t mean I am going to sit idle, I will do films. In fact, I recently did a play with (actor) Kabir Bedi. So I am happy with this pace.”

Ray accepts that her battle with cancer would not have been possible without the support of her loved ones. Quiz her if she is single, “No, I am seeing someone and I am pretty serious about it. He too is currently in Mumbai with me and is exploring the city.”  The man in her life is Paris-based fashion photographer Paolo Zambaldi. What about marriage ? “Yes, marriage will happen but not like tomorrow. It is definitely on my cards but don’t know when exactly,” she smiles.

Ray has been roped in as a host of a new reality show Oh my Gold. “I have been doing a lot of things off late. Besides my health, I am also associated with NGOs on spreading awareness on cancer. But this was my first project after my recovery and I accepted it as it suited my persona aptly. Travelling in India, jewellery and asking plenty questions without being thrown out. Also I am in talks for some movie projects. However my life is also active in Canada so I am looking to balance between Mumbai and Toronto,” she says.