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Persis dead

Miss India Persis Khambatta died after a massive heart attack in Bombay early on Tuesday morning.

The famed beauty, actress and model was 49 and is survived by her mother and brother.

Persis was a heart patient who had undergone a cardiac valve operation 10 years ago. She complained of severe vomitting and headache at 0500 hours before suffering a stroke. She was taken to Bombay Hospital where she died.

Crowned Miss India in 1964, she was bestknown for her bald-headed persona in Star Trek -- The Motion Picture. She returned to India to act in a couple of Nari Hira's films and to star in the Garden-Vareli campaign.

Last year, she turned author. Her book, Pride of India, which profiled the many women who were crowned Miss India over the years, appeared to positive reviews. The book was dedicated to Mother Teresa and part of the royalties go to the Missionaries of Charity. She also received offers to convert her book into a television serial. Last week, she appeared as a guest on Khushwant Singh's programme on Star TV and was delighted by the reviews.

The last rites will be conducted at the Tower of Silence on Wednesday morning.

RELATED LINKS:
She was always searching for love
Persist Khambatta
Pride of India

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