Khan Family Matriarch Zarine Khan Dies At 81; Bollywood Condoles

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI– Bollywood mourned the loss of veteran actress Zarine Katrak Khan, wife of actor–filmmaker Sanjay Khan, who passed away at the age of 81 after prolonged age-related ailments. Zarine, who was the mother of Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali and Simone Arora, breathed her last at her residence on November 7 morning.

A former actress who featured in films such as ‘Tere Ghar Ke Saamne’ and ‘Ek Phool Do Mali’, Zarine married Sanjay Khan in 1966 after the two first met at a bus stop—an endearing love story that stayed with the family for decades. She was last seen just months ago in a vlog by her daughter Farah, sharing Irani mutton kofta and giving viewers a warm tour of her home.

Her final rites were performed at the Juhu crematorium, where family members led the proceedings. Sanjay Khan, along with daughters Farah, Simone and Sussanne, and son Zayed, were present throughout the ceremony.

A heartbreaking moment captured the grief of her youngest daughter, Sussanne, who was seen carrying her mother’s body with the help of her son and sisters, unable to take her eyes away from her mother’s face. The family, including their extended circle—Farah’s husband DJ Aqeel, Simone’s husband Ajay Arora, and Zayed’s wife Malaika—stood in mourning for a woman they described as the pillar of their home.

Several Bollywood celebrities arrived to pay their respects. Hrithik Roshan, formerly married to Sussanne Khan, attended the funeral with their son Hridaan. Dressed in a black jacket, white shirt, and cream cap, Hrithik appeared visibly emotional as he joined the family in the last rites. Actor Bobby Deol was also seen entering the Khan residence earlier in the day, wearing a blue half-sleeve shirt and denim jeans. Actress Kajol visited the family home dressed in an all-white outfit, offering her condolences. Aly Goni and Jasmin Bhasin were spotted exiting the residence after paying their tributes, while Niketan Dheer, son of late actor Pankaj Dheer, arrived at the Juhu crematorium to offer his final respects. (With inputs from ANI & IANS)