Persis Khambatta emerged as one of the earliest Indian success stories in Hollywood, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of actors. She scripted history as first Indian to present at Oscars.
Before actors like Irrfan Khan and Priyanka Chopra made a name for themselves in Hollywood, Persis Khambatta, a middle-class girl from Mumbai had already achieved what many could only dream of. Persis is still remembered for her iconic portrayal of Lieutenant Ilia in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. But to truly understand her impact, one must begin with her childhood.
Persis Khambatta was born into a middle-class Parsi family in Mumbai. Her early life was marked by struggle, as her father left the family when she was just two years old. She attended St. Joseph’s Convent High School and later enrolled at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
However, she dropped out admist her first year to pursue modelling full-time. This turning point came in 1968, when, at just 13, she was discovered by a photographer while dining with her family at a restaurant. He took her test shots, which ended up being used in an advertising campaign for Rexona soap. The success of that campaign marked the beginning of her modelling career.
News Edit KV Raman