Family’s Secular Values and Personal Faith
Zayed Khan has finally addressed the online backlash following the death of his mother, former actress Zarine Khan. In a recent interview with Zoom, he explained that performing her last rites in the Hindu tradition was her explicit last wish.
“We as a family find religion to be something very personal to you, and how you want to approach it, and not something which is better and which is worse. These are not things that are good to say,” Zayed stated. He described his household as a secular family where humanity is considered the most important “religion.”
Recalling Zarine Khan’s Last Wish
Zayed shared an emotional memory of his mother sitting beside a river. She had expressed her desire for her ashes to be immersed there, saying, “If I ever go, I want my ashes to flow in this river. I want to be free.”
He added firmly: “Whatever your mother’s last wishes, it will be done. It doesn’t matter what other people say. It doesn’t matter how hateful they can be. I don’t blame them, situation is like that, unfortunately. It will take time to change those circumstances.”
The controversy arose after videos of the funeral showed Hindu customs being followed, sparking debates online. Some viewed it through a secular lens, while others trolled the decision.
Zarine Khan’s Life and Legacy
Zarine Khan passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 81 at her Mumbai residence due to age-related ailments. She had a brief acting career, appearing in the 1963 Hindi film Tere Ghar Ke Samne (as Jenny). Zarine Khan was born into a Parsi (Zoroastrian) family of Persian heritage and married actor Sanjay Khan in 1966.