When Zarine Katrak Khan passed away on the morning of November 7, 2025Mumbai, the entire Bollywood community lost more than a beloved actress—it lost a quiet matriarch who bridged two worlds: the glitter of cinema and the grounded elegance of home.
A Life Between Two Worlds
Zarine, born on July 12, 1944, in Bangalore to a Parsi family, never let her origins define her path. She entered the film industry in 1963 with Tere Ghar Ke Saamne, a modest debut that quickly gave way to a career marked by grace rather than stardom. But it was her marriage to Sanjay Khan in 1966 that reshaped her identity—and her legacy. At just 14, she’d met Sanjay through his mother, Bibi Fatima Begum Khan, and what began as a childhood connection blossomed into a 59-year partnership that produced four children: Suzaine Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Jayaad Khan.
Oddly enough, despite her Parsi roots, Zarine embraced Hindu rituals later in life. That’s why, when she passed from sudden cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence, her final rites were conducted in full Hindu tradition at Juhu Crematorium. Her son Jayaad, wearing the sacred thread, performed the last rites—a deeply symbolic act that spoke volumes about the family’s evolving spiritual identity.
More Than a Star: Designer, Author, Keeper of Traditions
Most remember Zarine for her quiet presence on screen, but few recall she was also a talented interior designer and published cookbook author. Her work on Ek Phool Do Maali as a costume designer revealed an eye for detail that extended beyond film sets. At home, she curated spaces that felt like sanctuaries—warm, layered, full of stories. Friends say her kitchen was the real studio, where she taught recipes passed down from her grandmother, blending Parsi flavors with Indian spices.
She never sought the spotlight, yet her influence was everywhere. Her daughters, Suzaine and Farah, often spoke of how she turned family dinners into rituals, and how she’d quietly fix the lighting in a room just to make it feel more alive. That’s the kind of legacy that lingers—not in box office numbers, but in the quiet comfort of a well-lit corner, a familiar scent of cumin and cardamom, or the way someone remembers being hugged just right.
A Grieving Bollywood Pays Homage
The funeral drew an unexpected wave of emotion. Jaya Bachchan, visibly shaken, held Suzaine close, whispering words only a mother could understand. Bobbi Deol, eyes wet, stood silently near the pyre, his grief raw and unfiltered. Rakul Preet Singh, Nargis Fakhri, Ali Goni, and Jasmine Bhasin arrived in quiet procession. Even Riteish Deshmukh’s girlfriend, Saba Azad, and his cousin Pashmineh Rohan stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the family.
Sanjay Khan, once known for his larger-than-life persona, was reduced to tears—unable to speak, barely standing. The man who once commanded sets with charisma now needed support just to walk. It was a moment that cut through the noise of celebrity. This wasn’t about fame. It was about loss.
Why This Matters Beyond the Headlines
Zarine’s death is a reminder of how deeply intertwined personal and professional lives are in Bollywood. She wasn’t just Sanjay Khan’s wife or Jayaad’s mother—she was a woman who chose love over tradition, faith over birthright, and quiet dignity over public spectacle. Her decision to follow Hindu customs despite her Parsi background wasn’t just religious—it was an act of belonging.
And in a time when celebrity culture thrives on spectacle, her passing felt… human. No press releases. No curated Instagram tributes. Just grief, real and unedited, in the early morning light at Juhu.
What Comes Next?
The Khan family has not announced any public memorial yet. Sources say a private gathering may be held in the coming weeks at their ancestral home in Bandra. Meanwhile, fans and colleagues are quietly sharing old photographs, recipes, and letters—none of them posted online, all kept close.
There’s talk of a documentary on her life, possibly led by her daughter Suzaine, who’s a filmmaker. But for now, the family is asking for space. And in a world that rarely gives it, that request feels like the most powerful thing she ever did.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Zarine Katrak Khan’s death?
Zarine Katrak Khan died of sudden cardiac arrest on the morning of November 7, 2025, at her Mumbai home. While some reports cite acute heart failure, others note she had been managing age-related health conditions for years. She was 81.
Why was her funeral conducted in Hindu tradition despite her Parsi background?
Though born into a Parsi family, Zarine embraced Hindu customs after marrying Sanjay Khan in 1966. Her decision reflected her deep integration into the family’s cultural fabric. Her children were raised in a blended spiritual environment, and her final rites followed Hindu rituals as per her personal and familial wishes.
Who were Zarine Katrak Khan’s children?
She had four children with Sanjay Khan: Suzaine Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Jayaad Khan. Jayaad, the youngest, performed her last rites. All four children have largely stayed out of the limelight, with Suzaine and Farah involved in creative fields like film and design.
What was Zarine’s contribution to Bollywood beyond acting?
Beyond acting, Zarine worked as a costume designer on the 1966 film Ek Phool Do Maali. Later, she became known for her interior design work and authored a cookbook blending Parsi and Indian cuisine. Her influence was more intimate—shaping the aesthetics and warmth of film families behind the scenes.
Which Bollywood stars attended her funeral?
Attendees included Jaya Bachchan and Shweta Bachchan Nanda, Bobbi Deol, Rakul Preet Singh, Nargis Fakhri, Ali Goni, Jasmine Bhasin, Jackie Shroff, and Saba Azad. The presence of so many stars—many of whom had no direct professional ties to her—underscored her role as a unifying, respected figure across generations.
Will there be a public tribute or memorial?
As of now, the family has requested privacy and has not announced any public memorial. However, sources close to Suzaine Khan suggest a private tribute may be held in Bandra, possibly accompanied by a collection of her writings, recipes, and design sketches for family and close friends.