Farewell to Zarine Khan: Bollywood Mourns the Beloved Matriarch and Interior Designer

Zarine Khan, the esteemed wife of veteran actor Sanjay Khan and mother to actors Zayed Khan and Sussanne Khan, passed away at the age of 81 due to age-related ailments, leaving the Bollywood community and her family in deep mourning. Her funeral and last rites were performed on November 7, 2025, drawing a gathering of close family, friends, and notable film industry personalities who came to pay their respects.

Born in the 1940s, Zarine first gained recognition as a prominent model in the 1960s before transitioning into acting, with appearances in films like Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963) and Ek Phool Do Mali (1969). However, after marrying Sanjay Khan in 1966, she shifted her focus to interior designing, a field in which she achieved notable success and which was also pursued later by her daughter, Sussanne Khan. Zarine was known not only for her professional accomplishments but also as a respected social figure in Mumbai.

Zarine maintained strong family bonds, famously sharing a warm and lifelong connection with her son-in-law, Hrithik Roshan, despite his divorce from Sussanne Khan. She openly stated that Hrithik was like a son to her, embodying a united family spirit. Hrithik himself was among those who visited to offer condolences at her residence during her final moments.

The Bollywood fraternity paid tribute to Zarine’s indelible spirit and contributions. Celebrities such as Kajol, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Karan Johar, Bobby Deol, and many others expressed their grief and remembered her with fondness. Noteworthy was the emotional presence of Hrithik Roshan’s girlfriend, Saba Azad, who also came to pay respects, highlighting the close-knit ties shared by Zarine’s family network.

Zarine's life was marked by resilience, including periods of hardship such as when she stood by her husband during his recovery from severe burns sustained in an accident on the set of The Sword of Tipu Sultan. Her strength and patience during those difficult years left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

Her son Zayed Khan and daughter Sussanne Khan, along with Sanjay Khan, performed the last rites, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. The event was a solemn occasion that reflected the deep respect and love Zarine inspired in those around her. Zhuine Khan leaves behind a legacy not only as a figure in Indian cinema and design but as the bedrock of a family embraced by the industry and fans alike.