Mumbai, Sep 15 - Canadian born Bollywood actress Lisa Ray, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer, has been a 'portrait of courage' in her battle against the disease and will walk the red carpet Sep 16 at the Toronto Film Festival, said filmmaker Deepa Mehta.

Lisa Ray has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a rare cancer of the plasma cells, and says the disease is 'incurable'.

Deepa who has known Lisa from the time they worked together in the film 'Water' four years ago, is deeply impressed by Lisa's brave fight.

'I knew about her illness two months ago. She told me. It was hard to believe. She wanted to keep it very private, and rightly so. Only her close friends and family knew.

'Which is why when Lisa blogged about her illness, I was surprised. It was very courageous of her. I think she decided that by coming out in the open about the illness she would not only be able confront and overcome the sad situation but also encourage others in similarly troubled spaces to fight and win over their illness,' she said.

Lisa is currently in Toronto where she has her own home. Deepa says Lisa is peaceful and very calm.