Hema Malini Mourns The Loss Of 'Close Friend' Zarine Khan, Says 'Heart Goes Out To Dear Sanjay Khan'
Veteran actress Hema Malini has expressed her profound grief over the passing of Zarine Khan, wife of actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan and mother of Sussanne Khan, Simone Arora, Farah Ali Khan, and Zayed Khan. Zarine Khan passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 81, due to a sudden cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence.
Hema Malini, who shared a close bond with both Zarine and Sanjay Khan, conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the Khan family during this difficult time. "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Zarine Khan. She was a close friend and a wonderful human being," Hema Malini said in a statement. "My heart goes out to dear Sanjay Khan and the entire family. Her warmth and kindness will be dearly missed."
The news of Zarine Khan's death has sent shockwaves through Bollywood and social circles. Celebrities and friends gathered at the Khan residence in Mumbai to pay their respects. Among those who were seen offering condolences were Hrithik Roshan, ex-husband of Sussanne Khan, along with Saba Azad, Jackie Shroff, Rakul Preet Singh, Jackky Bhagnani, Shabana Azmi, Jaya Bachchan, Neelam Kothari, and many others.
Zarine Khan, also known as Zarin Katrak, was not only the wife of Sanjay Khan and mother to their children but also a woman of many talents. She was a former actress, an accomplished interior designer, and the author of the family recipe book, "Family Secret". Her creative flair transformed celebrity homes and hotel spaces, while her cookbooks and lifestyle writings showcased her eye for aesthetics and detail.
Born into a Parsi family, Zarine embraced her role as a Bollywood spouse and mother, becoming a pillar of strength for her family. Her marriage to Sanjay Khan was one of Bollywood's most enduring love stories. They had been married for several decades and stood by each other through thick and thin. In 1990, when a massive fire broke out on the sets of "The Sword of Tipu Sultan," leaving Sanjay Khan with severe burns, Zarine was his constant support, nursing him through 73 surgeries over 13 months.
Zarine Khan's death comes as a great loss to the film fraternity. Her legacy will continue through her children and her work in design and literature. Sussanne and Zayed Khan performed the last rites.
Hema Malini reminisced about her association with Sanjay Khan, recalling the time they worked together in a Tamil movie. She admired him as a "wonderful human being" and praised Zarine for being the force behind the "beautiful family".
As the industry mourns the loss of Zarine Khan, tributes pour in, remembering her as a mentor, friend, and a woman who balanced public achievement with private devotion. The Khan family has requested privacy to grieve and heal from this profound loss.
