Former Miss India, a supermodel and an actress of international fame, Persis Khambatta was a bold, beautiful and brave girl who broke the ceiling and paved the way for future generations. She was perhaps one of the earliest Indian and well-known success stories in Hollywood and is still remembered for her role of Lieutenant Ilia in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.”
Early Life and Career
Persis Khambatta, born on October 2, 1948, in Bombay, India. A figure of grace and strength, Persis left an indelible mark on both Indian and international cinema. Her early life was marked by a significant event when her father left the family when she was just two years old. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent High School in Mumbai. She later enrolled at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, but left during her first year to focus on modeling.
At the tender age of 13, she began her modeling career, which was catapulted by a successful campaign for a popular soap brand, Rexona. In 1965, she won the Femina Miss India contest and went on to participate; she also earned the Miss Photogenic award.
Her modeling career took her around the world. She became the face of major brands like Air India, Revlon, and Garden Vareli. However, it was her acting career that brought her international acclaim. Khambatta made her Hindi film debut with Salil Chowdhury’s “Pinjre Ke Panchhi” in 1966. In the film starring Balraj Sahni, Meena Kumari and Mehmood, she was credited as Poonam. She then acted in Khawaja Ahmad Abbas’s “Bambai Raat Ki Bahon Mein (1968),” with Jalal Agha. Khambatta gave a grounded performance as a cabaret singer and showcased her versatility as an actress.
She then acted in films like Kamasutra: Vollendung der Liebe (1969), The Wilby Conspiracy (1975), and Conduct Unbecoming (1975).
Persis Khambatta Goes International
The role that would define her career came in 1979, when she was cast as Lieutenant Ilia in “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” For this role, Khambatta did something almost unheard of at the time. She shaved her head, creating an iconic image that is still remembered today. Her portrayal earned her a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress.
Some of her other films include Nighthawks (1981), Megaforce (1982), Warrior of the Lost World (1983), First Strike (1985), Jazira (1986), She-Wolves of the Wasteland (1988), and Deadly Intent (1988).
Other Work
In 1980, she was severely injured in a car crash in West Germany, leaving a significant scar on her head. Three years later, in 1983, she underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. After recovering, she returned to Bombay in 1985 and made her comeback in the 1986 Hindi film “Shingora,” starring alongside Aditya Pancholi and Marc Zuber.
Khambatta’s achievements extended beyond the silver screen. She became the first Indian citizen to present an Academy Award in 1980, further solidifying her status as a cultural ambassador.
Khambatta also worked on TV in shows like The Man with the Power (1977), Casablanca (1983), Hunter (1986), MacGyver (1986), Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer (1987), and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993).
Personal Life
Khambatta married actor Nari Gandhi in the 1970s, but they divorced after a month. She later married Stuntman Glenn Lee Dierkes in 1989, but they separated in 1991. She had no children. In later life, she lived in California, dealing with heart issues. She died on August 18, 1998, at 49, from a massive heart attack in Mumbai’s Marine Lines Hospital while visiting family. Her cremation occurred at Chandanwadi crematorium, attended by industry figures. She left behind a will donating her organs, though her heart condition prevented it.
Her legacy, however, continues to inspire. A year before her death, she authored a coffee table book titled “Pride of India,” which celebrated former Miss Indias and contributed part of its royalties to the Missionaries of Charity.
Persis Khambatta on IMDB
