This Indian actor shaved her head for Star Trek role, almost became Bond girl, made history as first Indian to present at Oscars before her untimely death

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. She became one of the earliest and most well-known Indian success stories in Hollywood, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of actors. 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’ father left her at the age of two

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 Sc