Zarine Khan's Funeral: She Was Not Hindu Before Muslim Marriage, Why She Wanted Hindu Cremation?

Zarine Khan, the wife of actor, Sanjay Khan and mother of Sussanne Khan and Zayed Khan, has passed away. She died on November 7, 2025, at the age of 81, at her Mumbai home, due to a cardiac arrest following age-related health issues. Her funeral was held on the same day and was attended by several Bollywood stars, including her former son-in-law, Hrithik Roshan, Jackie Shroff, and Bobby Deol. Zarine's son, Zayed, performed her last rites as per Hindu traditions, even though she was married to a Muslim. However, few know that she did not practice either Hinduism or Islam.

What was Zarine Khan's religion?

Zarine Khan revealed her faith during an interview with Rendezvous With Simi Garewal. She appeared on the show for a chat with her husband, Sanjay Khan, after they got married. The Bollywood couple was invited to share insights into their spousal life. It was then that Zarine shared that she was born into a Parsi (Zoroastrian) family. Her maiden name was Zarine Katrak. Despite her marriage to veteran Muslim actor-filmmaker, Sanjay Khan, she never converted to Islam and maintained her original faith throughout her life. Zarine stated:

"I was the modern Zohrastrian girl...skirts and rock and roll shoes."

Zarine Khan's daughter, Farah Khan Ali, noted that her mother's life was a testament to humanity beyond religious labels. As the buzz around Zarine's Hindu cremation heightened, Farah felt the need to clarify her mother's stance. Taking to Instagram, she wrote, "Born a Parsi, Married as a Muslim, and cremated according to Hindu rites. She [Zarine] epitomised Humanity and is someone whose legacy we hope to live."

Why was Zarine Khan's funeral not held according to Zoroastrian customs?

Zarine's last rites were performed according to Hindu customs (cremation or dah sanskar) by her son Zayed Khan. It was in accordance with her final wish before death. Now, curious fans have raised the question as to why she wanted a Hindu traditional funeral, when she herself followed Zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian funerals traditionally involve a practice called Dokhmenashini, or 'sky burial,' where the deceased's body is exposed in a circular, raised structure called a Tower of Silence (Dakhma) to be consumed by scavenger birds, primarily vultures.

The 'sky burial' is rooted in the belief that a dead body is impure and would contaminate the sacred elements of earth, water, and fire if buried or cremated. In recent years, Indian Zoroastrians have resorted to other funeral methods primarily due to the near extinction of the vulture population and practical concerns arising from urbanisation. The Towers of Silence were historically built on hills or isolated land away from population centers. With rapid urban growth, many of these sites are now within city limits, leading to public health concerns. These are some reasons Zarine may not have wanted a Zoroastrian funeral.

More about Zarine Khan

Zarine Khan (1944–2025) was a woman of many talents. Starting her career in the 1960s, Zarine was a successful model known for her poise and charm. She appeared in a few Bollywood films, including Tere Ghar Ke Samne (1963) opposite Dev Anand and Ek Phool Do Mali. After her marriage, she stepped away from acting to focus on her family and later established herself as a renowned interior designer, a path her daughter, Sussanne, also followed. She also authored a cookbook, Family Secrets: The Khan Family Cookbook, sharing family recipes and lifestyle articles.

What are your thoughts on Zarine Khan's wish for a Hindu cremation despite being a Parsi? Let us know.

Also Read: Zarine Khan's Daughters, Sussanne And Farah's Emotional Tribute After Mother's Funeral, 'No One...'

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