Lisa Ray 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, Lisa Ray was discovered while on holiday in India. Lisa went on to become not only one of the most... Read more
Lisa Ray 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, Lisa Ray was discovered while on holiday in India. Lisa 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 the Oscar nominated film, ‘Water’.
In addition, she hosted 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.
Named as one of the ‘Ten most beautiful Indian women of the millennium’ by a Times of India poll, Ray cemented her profile as an iconic figure in India before leaving for drama school in London and other opportunities around the world. In Canada, she has co-hosted award shows and events such as The Genies, The Giller Prize and The Crystal Awards for Women in Film and Television. In 2009, she was named ‘Trailblazer’ at the Reelworld Film Festival and featured as one of the ’50 Most Beautiful People’ of the country in the Canadian edition of Hello Magazine.
In 2009, Lisa attended the Toronto International Film Festival in support of her work in two films. It was at this event that Lisa chose to make a public announcement of her diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. The outpouring of support was immediate and overwhelming. She also started a blog, ‘The Yellow Diaries’, to share her cancer experiences. Her forthrightness and humour in navigating a difficult illness earned her the attention and respect of people from all corners of the world, as well as ‘The Voice Achievers Award’, 2009 and ‘The Hope Award’, 2010. Lisa went on to help raise funds for the establishment of the first research chair for Multiple Myeloma at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto. Post a stem cell transplant in February 2010, Lisa is now cancer-free and working on her first book.
A passionate advocate for stem cell technology, outspoken public speaker and long-time yoga practitioner, Lisa partners with co-owners Paris and Annette, in 2011 to open Moksha Yoga Brampton. She is involved in several philanthropic efforts which include taking part in the on-air drive for SickKids Hospital to Ambassador of Plan Canada’s ‘Because I Am a Girl’ campaign, a global movement that supports the rights of girls around the world.
In 2012, Lisa was named Ambassador for the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Campaign, named one of Canada’s 50 Most Beautiful by Hello Magazine and recognised with a ‘Facing Cancer Together Award of Honour’ by the ‘Look Good Feel Better’ Charitable Program. She was also awarded the ‘Light of India Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment’.
2012 also saw Lisa partnering with Indian Design House, Satya Paul, to present an exclusive line of Cocktail sarees inspired by her Wedding Trousseau.
Lisa Ray has recently taken on the role of host on Top Chef Canada.