Persis Khambatta was an Indian-American actress who is best known for her role as Lieutenant Ilia in Star Trek: The Motion Picture, along with her performances in Nighthawks and Megaforce. She was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for her significant contributions to film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Persis Khambatta was born on October 2, 1948, in Bombay, India. She gained fame as Femina Miss India and competed in the Miss Universe pageant at the age of 16. Throughout her life, she was married twice, first to Cliff Taylor and later to Naren Parekh, though both marriages ended in divorce.
Career Highlights
Khambatta began her career as a model, working with major brands like Revlon. Her breakthrough came with her role in Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979, which earned her a Saturn Award nomination. After facing a serious car accident in Germany in the early 1980s, she underwent heart bypass surgery but continued to make appearances in various TV series and films.
Death and Legacy
Persis Khambatta passed away on August 18, 1998, at the age of 49, due to a heart attack. Just a year before her death, she published a book titled “Pride of India,” dedicated to Mother Teresa, with profits going to charity. Her legacy continues through her memorable performances and contributions to the film industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Star Trek: The Motion Picture | 1979-12-07 | Lt. Ilia / The Probe |
| Nighthawks | 1981-03-17 | Shakka |
| The Wilby Conspiracy | 1975-02-01 | Persis Ray |
| Phoenix the Warrior | 1988-10-31 | Cobalt |
| Megaforce | 1982-06-25 | Zara |
| I predatori dell’anno Omega | 1983-01-01 | Nastasia |
| Kamasutra – Vollendung der Liebe | 1969-06-05 | Nanda |
| Conduct Unbecoming | 1975-01-01 | Mrs. Bandanai |
| First Strike | 1985-05-10 | Sylvia Kruger |
| Deadly Intent | 1988-05-12 | Francesca Slate |
| The Man With the Power | 1977-05-24 | Princess Siri |
| That’s Action | 1990-10-03 | Colbalt (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Shingora | 1986-01-08 | Roma Sinha |
| बंबई रात की बाहों में | 1967-01-01 | Lily |
| Terror in the Aisles | 1984-10-26 | Shakka Holland (archive footage) |
| Pinjre Ke Panchhi | 1966-01-01 | Amy |
| Men Who Rate a 10 | 1980-10-07 | Self |
| MacGyver | 1985-09-29 | Zia |
| Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman | 1993-09-12 | Chairperson |
| Hunter | 1984-09-18 | Dhari Ziad |
| Mike Hammer | 1984-01-28 | |
| Miss Universe | 1955-07-22 | Miss India 1965 |