Lisa Ray pens note on not conforming to societal expectations: ‘What rules?’

Healed and learned to cherish and prioritise health and happiness above everything (because this process is lifelong, wrote cancer survivor Lisa Ray in a note on Instagram

Lisa Ray also recalled her battle with blood cancer (Source: Lisa Ray/Instagram)

Lisa Ray has been a fighter all her life and her recent note against societal expectations is a reflection of it. Taking to Instagram, the actor wrote, “Got married to my habibi at 40 (because it never occurred to me not to); welcomed our glorious twin girls at 45 (because we have the technological advancements to assist a cancer survivor having children); first book published at 46 (because it’s been my dream to be a published writer since I was a kid – and because telling your own story is essential).”

The 51-year-old continued, “Co-founded an art tech platform at 50 (because I love art and now we have the disruptive tech to re-imagine how art is shared, bought and enjoyed); lived in five diverse cities post marriage across Asia (because why would you remain in one place if you have the opportunity to move countries?)”

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“Healed and learned to cherish and prioritise health and happiness above everything (because this process is lifelong),” she mentioned alongside snippets from her family life.

Recalling the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a type of blood cancer, in 2009 on World Blood Cancer Day today, Lisa expressed, “This particular chapter comes to post a diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a blood cancer and a thriving career in front of the camera that while it afforded a level of fame and independence, nearly killed me. The business of entertainment is not aligned with my values and inner life. But it has given me a platform to say: Societal rules? WHAT RULES? If it has never occurred to live on your own terms, WHY NOT?”

In another post shared in November 2022, Lisa had opened up about the “life-altering” diagnosis and how it shifted her “center of gravity”.

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“My center of gravity shifted after getting diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2009. A diagnosis is as individual an event as is any human reaction to a life altering experience. The gravitational pull will not always be in the direction of healing. It’s not that simple. But what I can say today, 13 years later, is a fully realised life is not only possible but perhaps for some – like me- the net result of passing through an experience that makes you face your mortality. That cuts very close to the bone.”

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She further wrote, “I am where I am because of it. I would never wish cancer or any serious illness on anyone (thoo thoo) but while we’re here together let me tell you: life is glorious in all its shades.”