Zarine Khan, the esteemed matriarch of the prominent Khan family and wife of veteran actor Sanjay Khan, passed away at her Mumbai residence on November 7, 2025. She was 81 years old. Her death marks the end of an era for a family deeply woven into the fabric of Bollywood history.
The former actress, remembered for her grace and quiet strength, had been experiencing age-related health issues and died of a cardiac arrest. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from the film fraternity and those who knew her as a pillar of her family.
A Final Curtain Call
Zarine Khan breathed her last at her home in Mumbai. While she had been unwell for some time due to age-related problems, her death was caused by a cardiac arrest.
The Khan family has requested privacy as they navigate this profound loss. In line with their wishes, the final rites were a private family affair, though several prominent figures from the Indian film industry came to pay their respects.
A Brief But Memorable Film Career
Before her marriage to Sanjay Khan in 1966, Zarine, then Zarin Katrak, had a brief yet notable stint in Hindi cinema. Her most memorable role was as Jenny Fernandes, Dev Anand’s secretary, in the 1963 classic “Tere Ghar Ke Saamne”. She also appeared in the film “Ek Phool Do Mali”.
Though she left her acting career behind after marriage, her connection to the film world remained strong through her family.
The Heart of the Khan Family
Zarine Khan was, first and foremost, the cornerstone of her family. She married Sanjay Khan in 1966 after a chance meeting at a bus stop blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Together, they built a legacy centered on love and resilience.
She is survived by her husband and their four children:
- Sussanne Khan, a renowned interior designer
- Farah Khan Ali, a jeweler
- Simone Arora
- Zayed Khan, an actor
Her children often spoke of her profound influence. In a heartfelt birthday post earlier this year, Sussanne Khan wrote, “All that I do and all that I create in my life has to do with the way you formed my heart, my mind and my grit. I am so honoured and grateful to be your little girl.”
Zarine was also a woman of diverse talents. She authored “Family Secrets: The Khan Family Cookbook,” a culinary journey that offered an intimate look into the family’s cherished recipes and traditions.
Zarine Khan’s Cinographic Legacy
| Year | Film | Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Tere Ghar Ke Saamne | Jenny Fernandes | Most memorable role as Dev Anand’s secretary |
| 1960s | Ek Phool Do Mali | Unknown | Brief appearance in her short film career |
A Mother’s Unwavering Bond
Zarine Khan’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her former son-in-law, Hrithik Roshan, who was married to her daughter Sussanne for 14 years. Even after their divorce in 2014, Zarine continued to consider Hrithik her son.
She once fondly recalled the couple’s early days, saying, “When Sussanne was at her ugliest worst with her two front teeth protruding, a young Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) had told his friends, ‘She’s the girl I’ll marry’. He’s been with Sussanne from the days he had a stutter and never imagined being a star.”
Her bond with Hrithik remained unbroken. She stated in a 2024 interview, “He and Sussanne may not be together, but they love each other as best friends.” This enduring connection highlights the incredible capacity for love and forgiveness that defined Zarine Khan’s life.
The Film Fraternity Pays Tribute
News of her passing quickly spread, and the Bollywood community gathered at the Khan residence to offer condolences and support.
Among those paying their last respects were:
- Hrithik Roshan‘s girlfriend, Saba Azad, who arrived with Hrithik’s cousin, Pashmina Roshan
- Jaya Bachchan, accompanied by her daughter Shweta Bachchan Nanda
- Jackie Shroff, who was seen requesting paparazzi to maintain a respectful silence
- Bobby Deol
- Neelam, Rakul Preet Singh, and Jackky Bhagnani
Their presence was a testament to the respect and affection the Khans command within the industry.
A Legacy of Grace and Resilience
Zarine Khan’s life was not without its challenges. In the late 1980s, her husband Sanjay Khan suffered severe burns in a tragic fire on the set of his television series ‘The Sword of Tipu Sultan’. Zarine stood by him, tending to his needs throughout his long and difficult recovery. This period showcased her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty—traits her daughter Farah once celebrated in an Instagram tribute, calling her mother “kind, caring, generous, loving… strong, loyal, family oriented and supportive of all around her.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Zarine Khan?
Zarine Khan was the wife of veteran actor-filmmaker Sanjay Khan and the matriarch of the Khan family. She was a former actress, interior designer, and author, but was best known as the mother of interior designer Sussanne Khan and actor Zayed Khan.
What was the cause of Zarine Khan’s death?
She passed away due to a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai home. She had been suffering from age-related health issues for some time.
Is Zareen Khan (the actress) the same person?
No. This is a common point of confusion. Zareen Khan (born 1987) is a different Bollywood actress who debuted in the 2010 film Veer. The recently deceased Zarine Khan (born circa 1944) was a former actress from the 1960s and the matriarch of the Sanjay Khan family.
Who are Zarine Khan’s children?
She is survived by four children: her son, actor Zayed Khan, and her three daughters—Sussanne Khan (interior designer), Farah Khan Ali (jeweler), and Simone Arora.
What was Zarine Khan’s bond with Hrithik Roshan?
Despite his divorce from her daughter Sussanne, Zarine Khan shared an incredibly close bond with Hrithik Roshan and continued to refer to him as her “son.” She stated that they were “bonded for life”.
A Lasting Imprint
Zarine Khan’s legacy is not measured in box office successes or public accolades, but in the strong family she built and the countless lives she touched with her generosity and grace. She was a constant, calming presence in the often-turbulent world of show business—a reminder that behind the glittering facade of Bollywood are real families, held together by love and matriarchs like her.
She will be remembered as the quiet strength behind the Khan dynasty, a woman who chose family over fame and whose impact will resonate for generations to come.
Our thoughts are with the Khan family during this time of loss.
