Persis Khambatta, a stunning beauty, was born on October 2, 1948, in the vibrant city of Bombay, India. Her journey to stardom began at the tender age of 16, when she was crowned Femina Miss India and went on to participate in the prestigious Miss Universe 1965 pageant, donning an off-the-rack ensemble she hastily purchased at the last minute.
As her modeling career flourished, Khambatta became a sought-after face for renowned brands such as Revlon. Her breakthrough in acting came when she landed the role of Lieutenant Ilia, the bald Deltan alien, in the iconic science fiction film Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). This pivotal performance opened doors to more significant roles in Nighthawks (1981),Megaforce (1982),and Warrior of the Lost World (1983).
Khambatta was considered for the coveted title role in the James Bond film Octopussy (1983),but was ultimately passed over in favor of Maud Adams. Her impressive résumé also includes the distinction of being the first citizen of India to present an Academy Award in 1980. Furthermore, she received a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her captivating portrayal of Lieutenant Ilia.
In addition to her film and television work, Khambatta made numerous guest appearances in popular American television series. Tragedy struck in the early 1980s when she was involved in a serious car crash in Germany, resulting in heart bypass surgery.
In the years leading up to her untimely passing, Khambatta penned and published a coffee table book titled "Pride of India," which showcased former Miss Indias and was dedicated to the revered Mother Teresa. A portion of the book's royalties was donated to the Missionaries of Charity.
Sadly, Persis Khambatta's life was cut short when she was rushed to the Marine Hospital in South Mumbai on August 17, 1998, complaining of chest pains. She succumbed to a heart attack the following day, August 18, 1998, at the age of 49. Her funeral was held in Mumbai, where she was laid to rest.
Person Biography:
Persis Khambatta was born on October 2, 1948, in Bombay, India.
When aged 16, as Femina Miss India, she entered Miss Universe 1965, dressed in off-the-rack clothes she bought at the last minute.
Khambatta became a model for companies such as Revlon.
Her biggest acting break was getting the role of Lieutenant Ilia, the bald Deltan alien in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979).
This led to roles in Nighthawks (1981),Megaforce (1982) and Warrior of the Lost World (1983).
She was considered for the title role in the James Bond film Octopussy (1983),but was passed over in favor of Maud Adams.
Khambatta became the first citizen of India to present an Academy Award in 1980.
She was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her Star Trek role.
Khambatta also made guest appearances in many popular American television series.
In the early 1980s, she was seriously injured in a car crash in Germany and had to have heart bypass surgery.
A year before her death, she wrote and published a coffee table book titled "Pride of India" which featured former Miss Indias; it was dedicated to Mother Teresa, and part of the royalties went to the Missionaries of Charity.
On August 17, 1998, Persis Khambatta was taken to the Marine Hospital in South Mumbai, complaining of chest pains.
She died of a heart attack on August 18, 1998 at the age of 49; her funeral was held in Mumbai.
