`The Many Lives of Lisa Ray’: FICCI FLO, Hyderabad hosted 150 women to discuss `life is beautiful’

Hyderabad: FICCI FLO Hyderabad hosted an interactive session with actor, author, and wellness advocate Lisa Ray.

`The Many Lives of Lisa Ray’ saw participation of over 150 women at Hotel Radisson Blu, Banjara Hills. The tête-à-tête focused on healing, reinvention, and the power of owning one’s story.

A Life of Many Chapters

Lisa Ray, who has lived in 43 cities across the globe, shared insights from her journey across multiple roles, as a model, actress, writer, patient, mother, and public figure. “My moment of peak success was also my darkest hour,” she said, addressing the emotional toll of a high-profile career.

“I was the most diligent model, but I paid a high price,” Ray revealed. “I was diagnosed with one of the most incurable blood cancers at age 37. The doctor believed I wouldn’t survive beyond five years, but I didn’t collapse. Something inside me knew I’d be alright. Today, at 53, I am the most content woman now.”

On Health and Personal Responsibility

Ray used her story to underscore the importance of taking ownership of one’s well-being. “Each one of us is the CEO of our health,” she said. “Take responsibility. Prioritise your wellness.”

She also spoke about the emotional dissonance between public image and private struggle. “Success doesn’t solve your problems, especially your emotional trauma,” she said. “I had to challenge society’s definition of success, because the external version didn’t reflect how I felt inside. That forced me to search deeper.”

Breaking Taboos Around Illness

Lisa Ray became the first Indian celebrity to publicly disclose a cancer diagnosis, confronting the stigma associated with serious illness. “Why should we be ashamed of disease? It’s nothing to hide,” she said. “My life, my body, my illness, accepting all of it has been my greatest liberation.”

Meditation, she noted, played a central role in her recovery and ongoing mental health. “We clean our cars, service our vehicles, and clean the environment, but what about the toxic thoughts in our minds? We must cleanse them, too.”

Reflections on India and Hyderabad

Despite having lived in numerous countries, Ray shared her deep connection with India. “India may not be perfect, but it’s the best place to live,” she stated.

She also expressed affection for Hyderabad. “Hyderabad is close to my heart. I love its people, affection, and the cuisine. I keep coming back.”

Creating Safe Spaces for Women’s Voices

Opening the evening, FLO Hyderabad Chairperson Ms. Prathibha Kunda described Ray’s address as a mirror held up to the audience. “What Lisa gave us today wasn’t just a speech, it was a mirror. She reminded us that life doesn’t wait for perfection. It asks only that we show up as we are and believe that our stories matter. That kind of honesty is rare, and it’s what made today so special.”

The session was part of FLO Hyderabad’s ongoing mission to empower women through leadership, wellness, and storytelling platforms. As part of this vision, FLO continues to host events that encourage honest conversations and support women in their personal and professional journeys.