'Now, I value people and relationship more'

Lisa Ray, who braved a deadly cancer, returns as host of TLC's upcoming travel show 'Oh My Gold'. The gorgeous actress candidly talks about her battle with cancer, the new show, her love for jewellery and whether she's found the special man in her life.


All that glitters is gold: Canadian actor Lisa Ray at the promotional
event for her new show Oh My Gold on TLC

You are looking radiant? Is this love or gold?
Both (blushes). I am in a very happy place right now andu00a0 am excited about my new show. I always wanted to do a travel show and what better opportunity than this. I got to explore Indian exotic jewellery and travel around the country. It was an amazing experience. Besides wearing beautiful gold jewellery, I got to eat gold, wear a gold sari, got a gold facial. I just felt like a golden girl while I was shooting this show. If food is a way to a man's heart, would you agree if I say that gold is the way to women's heart? How true is this in your case?
Most certainly. Gold is beautiful and it is embedded within our culture. It enhances the beauty of a woman. If somebody were wooing me with gold, he would certainly have a chance.

We have seen you in minimal jewellery. What kind of jewellery do you like?
I definitely love jewellery. Being a woman and having an Indian connect, it comes natural to me. I have really fallen in love with pearls. There is no other place in the world where women have the same relationship with jewellery as in India. Married women, especially, don't step out of their homes without some embellishment whether it be a bangle or an earring. It's just fascinating.

What is your favourite piece of jewellery?
My mom is Polish but she loved jewellery. There is an emerald ring that my dad gifted her years ago. He bought it during our trip to Kolkata. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.u00a0 My mom recently passed away and the ring is something I really cherish now.

Women will love this show but what about men?u00a0
Well, they will get to see me. (Winks)

You have always been labelled as one of the sexiest women. Do you still feel as sexy after the ailment?
I have been in this business for quite sometime. It's flattering to get compliments. I had to adjust with a lot of physical changes because of my cancer but I got a chance to explore a different aspect of my personality.u00a0

How has the ailment changed your perspective towards life and people?
Now I value people and relationships even more. I am grateful to have fought the ailment and still be alive. I have made some healthy lifestyle changes. I do yoga. I eat well and get enough sleep.

You have been in a relationship for a while. Marriage anytime soon?
Most definitely. But it will happen when it has to.