If there is an exotic woman it’s always a terrorist role.

Meaning of the quote

The quote suggests that in movies and TV shows, when a woman is portrayed as someone from a different or "exotic" culture, she is often cast in the role of a terrorist or a dangerous person, rather than in a more positive or nuanced character. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and can negatively impact how people from diverse backgrounds are perceived.

About Persis Khambatta

Persis Khambatta was an Indian actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder best known for her role as Lieutenant Ilia in the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. She had a successful career in both modeling and acting, and remains a beloved figure in the Star Trek universe.

More about the author

More quotes from Persis Khambatta

I was thrilled, because I like the big screen and I could then move on to the next thing. It was the biggest break for me. In a way, though, I wish it had been a TV series because then you are working for five years.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Besides, a bald cap would have never looked real.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Gene Roddenberry was a genius.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

After Star Trek, I was with the top agencies, but producers and directors did not know what to do with me.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Having shaved my head for the role put a spotlight on me.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

One thing about me, as far as my career is concerned, is that I’m very confident. I know I’m good.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I also had this artist friend who’d paint butterflies and things like that on my head.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Creative people are very insecure people because they don’t know whether people like them or are in awe of them. That insecurity always comes out. It makes them a better actor, I feel.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I only went to one Star Trek convention and that was in the late ’80s. I hadn’t gone to a convention before that. It was quite amusing, with the people dressed up and all of that.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I arrived in Hollywood and lived much of my life in America, but the fans did not really know me.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

If there is an exotic woman it’s always a terrorist role.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I’m going down in history with Star Trek. It’s a great feeling.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I mean, every Star Trek episode you saw was just phenomenal.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Basically, they had asked me if I would shave my head or wear a bald cap. I said look, if you are doing a series for five years I would want to shave my hair because I would go bald with all the gum and glue from the bald cap.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

I just have beautiful memories of what has happened in my life.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Everybody told me to stay in Hollywood. This was the place they said I could have a big career. What they failed to mention was that no one would quite know what to do with me.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)

Maybe I’m being philosophical and spiritual, but I believe that if you put negative energy out there that that is what will come back.

Persis Khambatta

Indian actress (1948-1998)