Who Is Persis Khambatta? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on October 2, 1948, Persis Khambatta was an illustrious Indian model and actress renowned for her striking features and commanding presence. She gained global fame through her role in the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture, where she played the memorable character Lieutenant Ilia. Despite her untimely passing in 1998, her contributions to the film and fashion industries continue to resonate today. As of 2025, Khambatta would have been 77 years old, leaving an indelible mark on both Hollywood and Bollywood.
| Occupation | Actress |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1948 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Birth Place | Bombay, Bombay State, Dominion of India |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 18 August, 1998 |
| Died Place | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Popularity
Persis Khambatta's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Persis Khambatta's stunning physical attributes were a significant part of her allure. Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm), her statuesque figure was complemented by a weight of approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). Her measurements were a perfect blend of elegance and allure, making her a sought-after model in the 1970s and 1980s. With her striking dark hair and captivating eyes, she embodied the charisma and style of her time.
Khambatta was a chain smoker. In 1998, she was taken to the Marine Hospital in south Mumbai, complaining of chest pains, and she died of a massive heart attack on 18 August 1998 at the age of 49. Her funeral was held in Mumbai the following day.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her career, Persis Khambatta maintained a level of privacy concerning her personal life. While there are no widely known public relationships or confirmed romantic partners, her life was often surrounded by speculation. It's known that she had close ties with her family, but the details of her dating history remain largely undisclosed.
Her father left her family when she was two years old. She first gained fame when a set of her pictures casually taken by a well-known Bombay photographer was used for a successful campaign for a popular soap brand. This eventually led to her becoming a model. She entered and won the Femina Miss India contest in 1965.
She was the second winner of Femina Miss India and third Indian woman to participate in the Miss Universe pageant. At the Femina Miss India contest, she also won the Miss Photogenic award.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Persis Khambatta was reported to have a net worth that reflected her successful career in modeling and acting. While exact figures may vary, it's estimated that her net worth ranged between $1 million to $5 million. This wealth was primarily accumulated through her modeling contracts, film roles, and various appearances that showcased her talent and charisma.
Career, Business and Investments
Persis Khambatta’s career began in the modeling industry, where she earned acclaim for her unique looks and poise. Her breakthrough came when she transitioned to acting, landing roles in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Aside from her role in Star Trek, she appeared in various films and television shows that further established her as a versatile actress. Considering her business acumen, she also ventured into investments, focusing on enhancing her brand and visibility within the entertainment industry.
Khambatta made her Bollywood début in director K. A. Abbas's Bambai Raat Ki Bahon Mein (1968), playing cabaret singer Lily who croons the film's title track. She had small roles in Conduct Unbecoming and The Wilby Conspiracy (both 1975).
She went on to have a brief movie career that included the role for which she is most recognized, the bald Deltan navigator Lieutenant Ilia, in Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). She shaved her head for the role. She was originally signed to play the role for five years, as the intention was to create a new Star Trek television series.
Khambatta said that she was thrilled when the project became a movie instead, because it would have greater impact on her career, but she also recognised that she had lost five years' work. Khambatta became the first Indian citizen to present an Academy Award in 1980.
She was nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Actress for her role in Star Trek. This led to roles in Nighthawks (1981), Megaforce (1982), Warrior of the Lost World (1983), and She-Wolves of the Wasteland (1988). She was considered for the title role in the James Bond film Octopussy (1983), but was passed over in favor of Maud Adams.
Social Network
While Persis Khambatta was not alive to participate in modern social media platforms, her legacy continues to thrive through fan pages and tribute accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These channels have been instrumental in keeping her memory alive, allowing new generations to discover her contributions and influence in theater and cinema.
Education
Persis Khambatta was well-educated and received a diploma in education before pursuing a career in modeling and acting. This educational background not only equipped her with skills in communication and performance but also instilled a strong work ethic that she exhibited throughout her career.
