Persis Khambatta was an Indian model and actress who rose to fame for her role as Lieutenant Ilia in the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. She was also the first Indian citizen to present an Academy Award in 1980. However, her life was cut short by a sudden heart attack in 1998. What was the cause of her death and what legacy did she leave behind?
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Early Life and Career
Persis Khambatta was born on October 2, 1948, in Mumbai, India, to a middle-class Parsi family. Her father left her family when she was two years old, and she was raised by her mother. She started her modelling career at the age of 13, when she appeared in advertisements for the soap brand Rexona. She won the Femina Miss India contest in 1965 and represented India at the Miss Universe pageant that year. She also won the Miss Photogenic award at the Femina Miss India contest.
Khambatta became a successful model for companies such as Air India, Revlon, and Garden Vareli. She made her Bollywood debut in the film Bambai Raat Ki Bahon Mein (1968), playing a cabaret singer. She then moved to London and later to the United States, where she pursued her acting career. She had small roles in films such as Conduct Unbecoming (1975) and The Wilby Conspiracy (1975).
Star Trek Fame and Baldness
Khambatta’s breakthrough role came when she was cast as Lieutenant Ilia, a bald alien navigator, in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). She shaved her head for the role, which was originally intended for a new Star Trek television series. However, the project was changed into a feature film, which Khambatta said had a greater impact on her career, but also meant that she lost five years of work.
Khambatta’s bald look made her a global sensation and a science fiction icon. She was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her role in Star Trek. She also became the first Indian citizen to present an Academy Award in 1980, when she announced the winner for Best Documentary Feature.
Later Roles and Projects
After Star Trek, Khambatta continued to act in films such as Nighthawks (1981), Megaforce (1982), Warrior of the Lost World (1983), and She-Wolves of the Wasteland (1988). She also appeared in television shows such as MacGyver (1986) and Hunter (1987). She was considered for the title role in the James Bond film Octopussy (1983), but lost it to Maud Adams.
Khambatta also wrote a book titled Pride of India (1997), which featured former Miss Indias and other beauty pageant winners. She also produced and hosted a documentary series called Persis Khambatta’s India, which showcased the culture and diversity of her country.
Heart Attack and Death
In 1998, Khambatta suffered a massive heart attack at her home in Mumbai. She was rushed to the Marine Hospital, but could not be revived. She died on August 18, 1998, at the age of 49. According to Wikipedia, the cause of death was attributed to pre-existing coronary artery disease.
Khambatta’s death shocked and saddened her fans and colleagues around the world. She was cremated according to Parsi rites and her ashes were scattered in the Arabian Sea. She is survived by her mother and two brothers.
Legacy and Influence
Persis Khambatta is remembered as a trailblazer and a pioneer for Indian women in the entertainment industry. She broke stereotypes and barriers with her beauty, talent, and courage. She inspired many aspiring models and actors from India and other countries to pursue their dreams.
Khambatta is also revered as a Star Trek legend and a sci-fi icon. Her role as Lieutenant Ilia is considered one of the most memorable characters in the franchise. Her bald look has been imitated by other actresses such as Demi Moore, Natalie Portman, Sigourney Weaver, Charlize Theron, and Karen Gillan.
Khambatta’s life story has been documented in books such as Boldly Go: The Women of Star Trek by Sue Short and Pride of India: A Glimpse into India’s Scientific Heritage by Suresh Soni. A biopic film based on her life is reportedly in development by filmmaker Ashok Amritraj.
Persis Khambatta cause of death may have been tragic and untimely, but her legacy lives on through her work and influence. She will always be remembered as a star who shone brightly on Earth and beyond.