Zarine Khan, Veteran Bollywood Personality and Wife of Sanjay Khan, Passes Away at 81

The passing of Zarine Khan, a figure who defined elegance across two distinct realms—Bollywood's cinematic glamour and India's contemporary interior design world—marks the end of an illustrious era. Zarine Khan died on 7 November 2025 at the age of 81.

Her death signifies a profound loss for the entire Khan family, whose influence has quietly yet powerfully shaped both the aesthetics of Indian cinema and the standards of modern, refined design for generations.

Zarine is survived by her devoted husband, the actor and director Sanjay Khan, whom she married in 1966. She also leaves behind a formidable legacy carried forward by their four successful children: Sussanne Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and the actor Zayed Khan.

Her life story is a narrative of transition, quiet strength, and unwavering commitment to creativity, bridging the ephemeral quality of acting with the enduring warmth of home.

The Dual Legacy: Zarine Khan's Influence on Bollywood and Interior Design

Before becoming the matriarch of the Khan dynasty, Zarine Khan enjoyed a brief but memorable career in Hindi cinema. She appeared in classic films such as Tere Ghar Ke Saamne and Ek Phool Do Mali, where her natural elegance and dignified screen presence left a clear impression on audiences.

Though she chose to step away from acting after her marriage in 1966, her creative journey did not stop; it simply shifted focus, finding a new, enduring home in the world of interior design.

In this field, Zarine built a formidable reputation for refined taste, timeless style, and a rare ability to blend traditional Indian heritage with modern luxury. Her influence was foundational, and her design philosophy was eventually inherited by her daughter, Sussanne Khan, who followed directly in her footsteps to become one of India's most respected and sought-after interior designers.

Zarine's work extended beyond mere aesthetics; she was known for her exceptional warmth and hospitality, traits that ensured any space she curated felt fundamentally welcoming and like home.

This dedication to nurturing extended to her passion for food. Zarine Khan authored a celebrated cookbook titled Family Secret, which served as a touching tribute to heritage and home cooking, featuring recipes passed down through generations.

The book is more than a culinary guide; it is a cherished keepsake among family and friends, reflecting her deep love for nourishing those around her through traditional Indian flavours and personal anecdotes.

The Heart of The Khan Family: Zarine Khan's Lasting Impact on Her Children

The love and profound connection Zarine Khan shared with her family were often visible in public tributes. Her final Instagram post, shared by her daughter Sussanne, captured this spirit of grace and devotion.

The post, which featured candid family moments and a heartfelt birthday tribute, celebrated Zarine's 81st birthday in July. Sussanne's accompanying caption encapsulated the intensity of their bond, as she wrote: 'You are my world, my universe, my heartbeat, and the reason I exist'.

Following the sad news of her death, tributes poured in immediately from across the film industry, highlighting the family's deep, interconnected ties within Bollywood. Hrithik Roshan, Zarine's former son-in-law, attended the private memorial alongside his partner Saba Azad, demonstrating the enduring respect the family commands.

The list of other prominent attendees was extensive, including celebrated industry figures like Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, Jackie Shroff, Bobby Deol, Aly Goni, and Jasmin Bhasin. The presence of such diverse generations of film stars confirmed Zarine's significant status as a beloved, influential figure within the social fabric of Bollywood.

Zarine Khan's family, known for its close-knit ties and characteristic public grace, has requested privacy during this time of mourning. Her passing was confirmed by multiple reputable outlets, including Financial Express and Outlook India, which uniformly highlighted her essential contributions to both cinema and design.

Her legacy is one of quiet strength, resilience, and creativity, reminding the industry that she was much more than a star wife—she was a woman of substance who shaped the lives of those around her with unwavering love.

As Bollywood mourns her loss, the industry also celebrates a life well lived—one that successfully bridged glamour and grace, tradition and innovation, family, and fame.