In a moment that tugged at the heartstrings of Bollywood fans, Hrithik Roshan and his partner Saba Azad joined a sea of grieving loved ones to bid farewell to Zarine Katrak, the beloved wife of veteran actor Sanjay Khan. The 81-year-old, a trailblazing model-actress whose elegance lit up the silver screen and beyond, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, succumbing to age-related ailments after a life richly lived. Her departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy woven with grace, resilience, and unbreakable family ties.

A Life of Poise and Pioneering Spirit

Zarine Katrak, often remembered for her striking beauty and poised demeanor, wasn't just a fixture in the glitzy world of 1970s Bollywood—she was a symbol of quiet strength. Born into a Parsi family, she carved her path as one of India's first supermodels, gracing magazine covers and runways with an effortless charm that turned heads. Her marriage to Sanjay Khan in 1966 blended worlds, cultures, and careers, producing a powerhouse family that included interior designer Sussanne Khan and actor Zayed Khan. Despite the spotlight's glare, Zarine preferred the wings to the stage, channeling her energies into nurturing her brood and supporting Sanjay's illustrious journey in films like Dharma and Mela.

What made her story even more compelling was her unwavering Hindu roots, a detail that came to light in her final hours. Though married into a Muslim household, Zarine held onto her birth faith, never converting—a choice that echoed in her last rites. Her son Zayed, visibly shattered yet resolute, performed the cremation following Hindu traditions at a quiet Mumbai crematorium on Friday afternoon. "She wanted it this way," sources close to the family shared, underscoring her autonomy even in farewell. It was a dah sanskar that honored not just her heritage but her unyielding spirit.

Bollywood's Touching Show of Solidarity

The funeral drew an outpouring of love from Tinseltown's finest, transforming a somber occasion into a tapestry of shared memories. Sussanne and Zayed, her children, broke down during the rites, their raw grief a stark reminder of the void left behind. Hrithik, ever the pillar of support despite his 2014 divorce from Sussanne, arrived early at the family residence to console his ex-wife and their sons, Riaan and Hrehaan. Later, he and Saba made their way to the cremation site, hands clasped in quiet solidarity—a gesture that spoke volumes about enduring co-parenting bonds in the unforgiving glare of fame.

Notable attendees included Arslan Goni, who stood steadfastly by Sussanne, and a host of stars like Bobby Deol, whose misty-eyed tribute captured the room's heavy air. Jaya Bachchan and daughter Shweta arrived with folded hands, while Nargis Fakhri offered a warm embrace to the bereaved. Sanjay Khan, frail but fierce at 85, watched over the proceedings, his eyes reflecting decades of shared triumphs and trials. Social media buzzed with heartfelt posts from Sussanne and Zayed, including throwback photos of family escapades that painted Zarine as the joyful heart of their world.

Hrithik's Quiet Respect: A Bridge Across Time

For Hrithik, this wasn't just another condolence call—it was a nod to the woman who once welcomed him into the Khan fold as a son-in-law. Theirs was a relationship forged in the fires of family milestones, from lavish weddings to navigating public splits. Attending with Saba, Hrithik's current flame, highlighted a modern maturity: exes evolving into allies, partners embracing blended histories. Saba, the soulful singer-actress, blended seamlessly, her presence a gentle anchor amid the chaos of flashing cameras.

Eternal Echoes: Zarine's Timeless Influence

As the smoke from the pyre curled skyward, Zarine's influence lingered like a favorite melody. She wasn't a headline-grabber, but her subtle sway shaped Bollywood's undercurrents—mentoring young talents, championing women's poise in a male-dominated arena. Her battle with illness was fought with the same dignity that defined her runway struts, inspiring whispers of "What a woman!" among mourners.

In Bollywood's whirlwind, losses like Zarine's remind us of the humans behind the glamour. She leaves a blueprint for living fully: love fiercely, stand tall, and exit on your terms. As the Khans heal, her story endures—a beacon for families navigating fame's tightrope. Rest in power, Zarine; your elegance was unmatched.

Read Also: Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif Welcome Adorable Baby Boy: A Wave of Family Joy and Heartfelt Blessings

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!