In the heart of Mumbai's bustling Juhu Crematorium, a scene of quiet dignity unfolded on November 7, 2025, as Bollywood actor Zayed Khan bid a heartfelt goodbye to his mother, Zarine Khan. The 81-year-old matriarch, known for her grace and resilience, passed away that morning due to age-related health issues, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, family, and cultural depth. What touched hearts across the nation—and sparked waves of online tributes—was Zayed's emotional performance of her last rites, conducted with deep reverence for Hindu traditions. This poignant ritual not only honored Zarine's birth roots but also highlighted the beautiful tapestry of faiths that defined her extraordinary life.

A Life Bridging Worlds: Zarine Khan's Journey from Silver Screen to Family Anchor

Zarine Katrak, as she was born, entered the world in a Hindu family, her maiden surname a nod to her Parsi heritage intertwined with Hindu practices. Long before she became the steadfast wife of veteran actor Sanjay Khan, Zarine dabbled in the glitz of Bollywood. In the early 1960s, she graced the screen in films like Tere Ghar Ke Saamne alongside Dev Anand and Ek Phool Do Mali, showcasing a natural poise that hinted at her potential stardom. But it was her meeting with Sanjay—at just 14, through his mother Bibi Fatima Begum Khan—that steered her toward a different spotlight: the warmth of home and hearth.

The couple tied the knot in 1966, embracing a union that blended Hindu and Muslim traditions without Zarine ever converting her faith. Together, they built a family dynasty, raising four children: daughters Sussanne, Simone, and Farah, and son Zayed. Zarine stepped back from the cameras to focus on interior design, infusing elegance into Bollywood's inner circles while navigating the highs and lows of a high-profile marriage. Her story, often whispered in industry lore, included moments of trial—like the rumored affair between Sanjay and Zeenat Aman during her pregnancy with Zayed—which she addressed with candid strength on shows like Rendezvous with Simi Garewal. Through it all, Zarine emerged as a pillar of quiet fortitude, her Hindu roots remaining a cherished constant.

The Ritual of Remembrance: Why Hindu Customs Took Center Stage

As the sun dipped low over Mumbai, Zayed stood at the cremation site, clay pot in hand, guided by a pandit through the sacred dah-sanskar—the Hindu fire ritual symbolizing liberation of the soul. Tears streamed down his face, a raw display of grief that mirrored the sorrow etched on his siblings' faces. Sussanne, Simone, and Farah huddled close, their collective heartbreak a testament to the unbreakable bonds Zarine had nurtured. But why Hindu rites for a woman married into a Muslim family? It was a deliberate choice, fulfilling Zarine's lifelong wish to return to the traditions of her birth. Unlike many interfaith stories, she had held firm to her Hindu identity, ensuring her farewell echoed the faith that shaped her early years.

This decision resonated deeply, blending personal devotion with cultural respect. In a video circulating online, Zayed's trembling hands and choked sobs captured the universal ache of loss, moving viewers to share stories of their own maternal farewells. "It's a beautiful tribute to her essence," one netizen wrote, while another reflected, "In diversity, we find unity—Zarine lived it, and her son honored it."

Bollywood's Embrace: Tributes from Stars Who Knew Her Best

The news rippled through tinsel town, drawing a constellation of stars to Sanjay and Zarine's Bandra residence. Hrithik Roshan, Zarine's former son-in-law and ex-husband to Sussanne, arrived with partner Saba Azad, his eyes red-rimmed as he offered condolences. Bollywood veterans like Jaya Bachchan and Shweta Nanda, alongside Jackie Shroff, Bobby Deol, and Rani Mukerji, paid their respects, each visit a thread in the rich fabric of Zarine's social world. Even Rakul Preet Singh and Jasmin Bhasin joined the outpouring, underscoring how Zarine's warmth extended beyond blood ties.

As the family grieves privately—Sanjay by their side, surrounded by memories—Zarine's departure serves as a gentle reminder of life's fleeting beauty. Her interfaith harmony, embodied in those final flames, inspires us to celebrate roots while embracing the branches of love that grow from them. In Zayed's tears and the flickering pyre, we see not just an end, but a profound continuation of a woman's spirited legacy.

Read Also: Priyanka Chopra's Emotional Farewell to Zarine Khan: Bollywood Icons Unite in Grief Over a Timeless Legacy

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