The Mumbai film industry came together this week to bid a final, emotional farewell to Zarine Khan, the beloved wife of veteran actor Sanjay Khan and mother of actor Zayed Khan. The prayer meet, held in Mumbai, was a poignant gathering filled with tears and heartfelt tributes for the late cookbook author and interior designer, who passed away on November 7 at the age of 81 due to age-related health issues.
A Husband's Heartfelt Goodbye
The most moving moment of the ceremony came from her husband of decades, Sanjay Khan. Taking the stage, a visibly distraught Sanjay shared the origin of their lifelong bond, moving everyone present to tears. "I met her when I was 18 and she was 14. I found my home when I looked into her eyes," he emotionally recounted. This profound declaration from the grieving husband encapsulated a love that spanned a lifetime, leaving the audience deeply moved.
Family and Bollywood Pay Their Respects
The prayer meet was attended by a host of Bollywood personalities, underscoring the family's deep roots in the industry. Hrithik Roshan, the former son-in-law, was present with his girlfriend, Saba Azad. He took to the stage to share his own personal tribute, stating, "It has been my privilege to be loved by you." Other notable figures in attendance included Saif Ali Khan, Rakesh Roshan, Salim Khan, and Jeetendra.
The family's grief was palpable. Daughter Sussanne Khan was seen in tears, while son Zayed Khan performed the last rites when Zarine was laid to rest according to Hindu traditions. Zayed expressed his profound loss, saying, "My mother was my God. I'll miss her deeply." The couple's four children and nine grandchildren, including Sussanne and Hrithik's sons, were present to share fond memories of their mother and grandmother.
A Celebration of a Secular Life
In a beautiful testament to Zarine Khan's inclusive worldview and the family's diverse background, the ceremony featured prayers from four major religions: Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Zoroastrianism. This multi-faith service highlighted her secular life and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Daughter Farah Khan Ali, who shared a video of the intimate gathering on Instagram, captured this sentiment in her emotional caption. She wrote that she was "truly blessed" to witness the overwhelming turnout of people who came to pay respects to a woman who "made each one feel seen and heard — irrespective of class, social status, or faith." She added that her mother's name, Zarine, meaning "golden" or "to shine," was a perfect reflection of her spirit, and that she indeed was the "brightest of all."
