Veteran Bollywood personality Zarine Khan, mother of actors Zayed Khan and interior designer Sussanne Khan, passed away recently due to cardiac arrest, leaving the industry in shock and grief. Before her funeral, the Khan and Roshan families, along with several celebrities, came together to bid her a final farewell steeped in Hindu traditions and customs that celebrated her life and spiritual journey.
The Final Moments Before the Funeral
Before Zarine Khan’s funeral, her Mumbai residence became a place of both mourning and reverence. Family members gathered early in the morning to perform the last rites preparations, including the ritual cleansing (Antim Snan) — a symbolic act of purifying the soul before its onward journey.
Her body was dressed in simple, traditional attire — a white saree — representing peace and purity. Floral garlands adorned her bier, with sandalwood and tulsi leaves placed beside her, in accordance with Hindu customs that signify purity and spiritual protection.
A Family United in Grief
The Khan family was joined by the Roshans — including Hrithik Roshan and his parents, Rakesh and Pinky Roshan — who share close family ties with the late Zarine through Sussanne. Actor Zayed Khan, visibly emotional, led the rituals, accompanied by his brother Fardeen Khan and other close relatives.
Sussanne Khan, along with her partner Arslan Goni, was seen comforting her siblings and ensuring that every religious detail was respectfully followed. The atmosphere was one of quiet dignity — an intimate gathering focused on prayer, remembrance, and honoring Zarine’s legacy as a loving mother and graceful matriarch.
Last Viewing and Final Farewell
Close friends and well-wishers were allowed a final glimpse before the body was taken to the crematorium. Many from the film fraternity — including Sanjay Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Fardeen Khan — paid tribute, offering flowers and silent prayers.
Cremation and Final Rites
In accordance with Hindu customs, the cremation took place at the Santacruz Hindu Crematorium in Mumbai. The eldest son, Zayed Khan, performed the Mukhagni (lighting of the funeral pyre) — a sacred duty symbolizing the release of the soul from the earthly body.
After the cremation, the family will observe the traditional Asthi Visarjan (immersion of ashes) ceremony, where the remains will likely be taken to the Ganga or another sacred river, marking the completion of her earthly journey and her union with the divine.
Bollywood Pays Tribute
The Bollywood fraternity expressed deep sorrow over Zarine Khan’s passing. Stars and colleagues shared heartfelt messages on social media, recalling her warmth, kindness, and spiritual strength.
- Hrithik Roshan shared a message expressing his condolences to Sussanne and the family, calling Zarine “a guiding light whose presence will be deeply missed.”
- Farah Khan Ali posted emotional memories, referring to her as “the heart of the family — strong, beautiful, and compassionate.”
- Sanjay Khan, the family patriarch, was seen holding back tears as he performed the mourning rituals with his children by his side.
Life and Legacy of Zarine Khan
Zarine Khan was known not just as a mother to Bollywood stars but as a woman of grace, wisdom, and generosity. Married to veteran actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan, she was a key figure in one of Bollywood’s most respected families.
Her life embodied both traditional values and modern strength — balancing her roles as a homemaker, philanthropist, and spiritual guide to her children. Her loss marks the end of an era for the Khan-Roshan family, whose members remain closely knit in faith and family values.
The Mourning Period and Post-Funeral Rituals
Following Hindu tradition, the family is expected to observe a 13-day mourning period (Tehravi), during which daily prayers and offerings will be conducted for the departed soul.
On the 13th day, a Shraddha ceremony will be held — a prayer of liberation and gratitude — believed to help the soul attain peace and moksha (salvation).
Conclusion
The scenes before Zarine Khan’s funeral were deeply emotional yet profoundly spiritual — a reflection of her life’s essence. Surrounded by loved ones and farewelled with sacred chants, flowers, and rituals, her journey ended the way she lived — with grace, faith, and love.
As her soul merges into eternal peace, her memory continues to inspire those who knew her — as a mother, wife, and woman of substance.
