Zarine Khan, Mother of Sussanne Khan, Dies at 81 in Mumbai
Zarine Khan, wife of actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan and mother of Sussanne Khan, passed away yesterday, November 7, 2025, in Mumbai following a cardiac arrest at the age of 81.
The funeral, held on the same day, was attended by numerous figures from the Indian film industry, including Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne’s ex-husband, as well as Jackie Shroff, Esha Deol, and Kajol. Videos circulating online sparked questions regarding the Hindu customs observed during the final rites, prompting explanation from family members. Zarine’s daughter, Farah Ali Khan, shared a poignant statement, revealing her mother’s unique spiritual journey and inclusive philosophy.
Farah Ali Khan explained in an emotional note that her mother, born a Parsi, embraced a life philosophy of “Forgive and Forget” and was a unifying force within the family. Reports indicate that Zarine Khan fulfilled her wish for a ‘dah-sanskaar’ cremation, having retained her birth name, Zarine Katrak, and not converting to Islam after her marriage to Sanjay Khan. In a past interview with Simi Garewal, Zarine described herself as a “modern Zoroastrian girl.” Traditional Zoroastrian funeral customs, known as Dokhmenashini, involve exposure of the body in a Tower of Silence, but cremation is becoming increasingly common due to declining vulture populations, as seen in the recent last rites of industrialist Ratan Tata.
“My mother was a very special woman… She epitomised Humanity and is someone whose legacy we hope to live,” Farah Khan Ali wrote. Sanjay Khan previously described meeting Zarine, saying, “When I met Zarine I knew I found the girl I wanted to marry… She had the most scintillating smile and terrific figure.” Before her marriage, Zarine Katrak was a well-known model, appearing in films like ‘Tere Ghar Ke Samne’ and ‘Ek Phool Do Mali’ before transitioning to interior design and writing. The passing of Zarine Khan marks the loss of a beloved figure whose life spanned diverse cultural and creative pursuits, and whose family has been a prominent part of the Indian entertainment landscape for decades.
Family members have requested privacy during this difficult time, and further details regarding memorial arrangements will be announced in due course.
