The Bollywood industry and fans alike were left mourning the loss of Zarine Khan, the celebrated actress, model, and interior designer, who passed away on the morning of November 8, 2025, at her Mumbai residence. She was 81 years old and had been battling age-related health issues. Zarine Khan’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life that spanned multiple facets of creativity, from modeling and acting to interior design, all while navigating the glittering yet demanding world of Bollywood.

Following her demise, her funeral rites were conducted later the same day. Zayed Khan, her son, performed the final rituals according to Hindu traditions, a decision that sparked curiosity among fans and netizens given Zarine Khan’s Parsi origins. Videos from the ceremony, which surfaced online, show a visibly emotional Zayed breaking down during the rituals, reflecting the depth of his grief and the intimate bond he shared with his mother.

Zarine Khan, born Zarine Katrak, had a unique cultural background. While she hailed from a Parsi family, she was raised in a Hindu household before marrying actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan. Her upbringing and familial ties influenced the decision to conduct her last rites according to Hindu customs. In Hindu tradition, the eldest son typically performs the final rites, which in this case was Zayed Khan. By honoring these practices, the family sought to pay homage to the customs Zarine was most connected with during her life, blending cultural reverence with familial respect.

The ceremony itself reflected a somber yet deeply respectful atmosphere. Attendees observed the rituals with care, and Zayed’s visible emotion underscored the personal significance of the moment. Social media users, while initially surprised by the choice of Hindu rituals for a Parsi-origin individual, largely expressed understanding once the family’s background and Zarine’s upbringing were clarified.

The funeral also saw a host of Bollywood celebrities visiting the Khan residence to offer condolences and support. Among the attendees were Hrithik Roshan and Saba Azad, who were seen paying their respects in a quiet, dignified manner. Bobby Deol, visibly emotional, was spotted outside the residence, reflecting the broader sense of loss within the film fraternity. Legendary actress Jaya Bachchan attended along with her daughter, Shweta Bachchan, while Jackie Shroff, Nargis Fakhri, Rakul Preet Singh, and several other actors and industry figures also visited the grieving family. The gathering of so many notable figures reflected Zarine Khan’s enduring legacy and the impact she had on those who knew her personally and professionally.

Zarine Khan’s life was defined by both creativity and discretion. She was married to Sanjay Khan, a prominent actor and filmmaker whose career in Bollywood spanned decades, yet Zarine maintained a distinct identity for herself. Her early career as a model and actress in the 1960s and 1970s garnered attention, particularly her work in films such as Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963), where she starred opposite the legendary Dev Anand. Despite the glamour and fame that came with her early career, Zarine gradually stepped away from the limelight, focusing on her personal life and later, her work in interior design.

As an interior designer, Zarine Khan earned acclaim for her refined aesthetic and attention to detail. She undertook high-profile projects across India, bringing elegance and sophistication to her designs. Her work in this field allowed her to express creativity in a way that was distinct from her early career in film, providing a lasting impact on the spaces she transformed. Even while her children and family continued to make headlines in Bollywood and beyond, Zarine maintained a dignified distance from media attention, embodying grace, discretion, and poise throughout her life.

Zarine is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan and their four children: Sussanne Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Zayed Khan. Her passing represents a significant loss for the family, not just personally, but also in terms of the cultural and artistic legacy she leaves behind. Zayed Khan, who performed the final rites, has carried the responsibility with visible emotion, highlighting the close bond between mother and son. His public display of grief during the rituals resonated with fans who admired the family for balancing public attention with private sorrow.

The choice to perform the last rites according to Hindu customs also reflects the fluidity of cultural practices in India, where personal, familial, and societal factors often guide such decisions. Zarine’s Parsi origins and Hindu upbringing created a unique blend of traditions, and by opting for Hindu rituals, her family honored the cultural practices that she most closely identified with. This decision also demonstrates how families navigate the intersection of religious heritage and personal beliefs, creating meaningful ways to honor a loved one’s life.

In the broader context of Bollywood, Zarine Khan’s passing serves as a reminder of the personal lives and legacies behind the glamour of the industry. Many celebrities continue to look up to the values she embodied—elegance, discretion, and a commitment to personal passions, whether in the arts, fashion, or design. Her funeral, attended by a diverse group of industry figures, underscores the respect she commanded among her peers, regardless of whether she remained in the public eye in later years.

Zarine’s journey from a celebrated actress in the 1960s to an accomplished interior designer also highlights her versatility and resilience. She navigated multiple roles—daughter, wife, mother, artist—with grace, leaving a legacy that spans generations. Her influence continues through her children, who have carved their own paths in business, entertainment, and creative fields, further extending the impact of her guidance and example.

In conclusion, the final rites of Zarine Khan, performed by Zayed Khan according to Hindu traditions, represent a deeply personal and culturally informed choice by the family. It reflects her upbringing, the respect of her children for her preferences, and the blending of cultural and religious identities that characterized her life. The ceremony, marked by the presence of family, friends, and prominent Bollywood figures, celebrated Zarine Khan’s life, contributions, and enduring legacy, offering a final tribute to a woman who balanced public recognition with private grace.

As the film and creative community mourns her loss, Zarine Khan’s life stands as a testament to elegance, creativity, and the lasting influence of those who choose to leave a mark through both art and personal integrity. Her son Zayed’s emotional performance of the last rites encapsulates the enduring bond of family and the reverence for tradition, ensuring that her memory will continue to inspire and resonate across generations.

---