On November 7, 2025, the Khan family of Mumbai bid farewell to a remarkable woman, Zarine Khan. Known to the public both as a former actor and the mother of Sussanne and Zayed Khan, Zarine passed away at her residence in Mumbai at the age of 81, after enduring age-related health issues for a significant period. Her passing left an indelible void in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends who admired her warmth, wisdom, and the unwavering love she shared with those around her.
Zarine Khan, born Zarine Katrak into a Parsi family, lived a life that gracefully bridged multiple cultures, religions, and philosophies. Her personal journey reflected a blend of tradition, modernity, and compassion. In her lifetime, she became the anchor of her family, the person everyone turned to in times of joy and difficulty alike. Her children—Sussanne, Farah, Zayed, and Simone—often spoke of her as the cornerstone of their lives, the guiding force whose wisdom shaped their upbringing and outlook on life.
The day of Zarine’s passing was also a poignant reminder of the diverse influences and bonds she nurtured over her lifetime. While born into the Parsi faith, she embraced Islam through marriage to her husband, Sunjay Khan, and later, in a symbolic gesture of universality and inclusivity, her last rites were conducted according to Hindu rituals by her son, Zayed Khan. A video of the cremation circulated online, showing Zayed attempting to hold back tears as he performed the final rites. The moment struck a chord with viewers, prompting widespread reflection on the significance of Zarine’s multicultural life and the family’s choice to honor her in this way.
Amid the public expressions of grief and curiosity about her final rites, Farah Khan Ali, Zarine’s daughter and noted jewellery designer, shared an emotional and deeply personal tribute to her mother on Instagram. In her post, Farah captured the essence of Zarine’s life and legacy, writing: “My mother Zarine Khan was a very special woman. Her philosophy of life was to ‘Forgive and Forget’. She was kind-hearted, loved by all her friends and family and cared deeply for one and all. She was the bond that kept our family together. Born a Parsi, Married as a Muslim and cremated according to Hindu rites. She epitomised Humanity and is someone whose legacy we hope to live.”
The words resonated profoundly, not only because they came from a grieving daughter but because they encapsulated the extraordinary life Zarine led—a life marked by understanding, acceptance, and the transcendence of conventional boundaries. Farah’s tribute highlighted the values her mother instilled in her children: tolerance, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the unity of family. In a world often divided by differences of faith and background, Zarine’s life was a testament to the power of humanity over division.
Zarine’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family. She was mother-in-law to Hrithik Roshan, the celebrated Bollywood actor and Sussanne Khan’s former husband. Despite Sussanne and Hrithik’s divorce in 2014, the bond between Hrithik and Zarine remained steadfast, underscoring Zarine’s ability to nurture relationships built on respect, love, and understanding. Speaking about Hrithik at the launch of her cookbook nearly a decade ago, Zarine had said, “He is the father of my grandchildren and we are bonded for life. When the divorce went through, she (Sussanne) didn’t make a hue and cry. We are a family and we always have been family and friends together.” This sentiment reflected Zarine’s unwavering commitment to family unity and her capacity to maintain harmony even in complex circumstances.
Zarine’s life was marked not only by her roles as a mother and mother-in-law but also by her own journey through personal and professional experiences. While the public knew her for her brief stint as an actor, those closest to her understood that her most significant achievements lay in her ability to create a nurturing environment for her children, to mentor them, and to be a source of strength and guidance in all aspects of life. Her daughter Farah’s tribute emphasized this dimension, portraying Zarine as the glue that held the family together, ensuring that love, understanding, and mutual respect were at the forefront of all relationships.
The choice to conduct Zarine’s cremation according to Hindu rites, despite her Parsi birth and Muslim marriage, reflects the openness and adaptability she embodied throughout her life. In many ways, it is symbolic of the values she lived by—tolerance, acceptance, and the prioritization of love and familial bonds over rigid adherence to tradition. It also serves as a reminder of the broader message Zarine represented: that faith and ritual, while significant, are secondary to the humane treatment of others and the cultivation of meaningful, enduring relationships.
Public reactions to Zarine Khan’s passing and the family’s handling of her final rites have been filled with empathy and admiration. Many expressed their respect for the Khan family’s decision to honor Zarine’s life in a manner that was inclusive and reflective of her unique journey. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, became spaces where friends, family, and fans shared memories, condolences, and stories highlighting Zarine’s kindness, generosity, and the positive impact she had on those around her.
In addition to her spiritual and cultural significance, Zarine was remembered for the values she instilled in her children: resilience, integrity, and compassion. Farah’s post emphasized these qualities, serving as both a tribute and a reminder to her followers and the wider public of the lessons that can be learned from a life well-lived. Her message conveyed that while Zarine may no longer be physically present, her legacy of humanity and love continues to guide her family and inspire those who knew her.
The passing of Zarine Khan is a moment that brings together narratives of faith, family, and personal growth. It highlights the intersections of culture, religion, and identity, while also emphasizing the core principles of love, forgiveness, and human connection. Born into one faith, marrying into another, and departing through a third set of rituals, Zarine’s journey is a living testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of family as a unifying force.
Her children, led by the heartfelt tribute from Farah, are committed to carrying forward her philosophy of life: to forgive, to love unconditionally, and to remain a cohesive, supportive unit. Farah’s words remind us that Zarine’s presence will continue to be felt in the lives she shaped, the bonds she nurtured, and the enduring love she leaves behind. The story of her life and her passing offers a profound reflection on the values that matter most, transcending the boundaries of religion and tradition to celebrate the universal principles of kindness, empathy, and family.
In closing, Zarine Khan’s life was extraordinary not because of fame or public recognition, but because of the love she gave, the family she held together, and the humanity she exemplified. Farah Khan Ali’s touching tribute encapsulates this essence perfectly, presenting Zarine not only as a mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law but as a woman whose life was dedicated to making the world around her a better, more compassionate place. Born Parsi, married as a Muslim, and cremated according to Hindu rites, Zarine’s life journey remains a testament to the universality of human values, the enduring power of love, and the legacy of a life well-lived.
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