Veteran actor and filmmaker Sanjay Khan’s wife, Zarine Khan, passed away peacefully on Friday at her Mumbai residence, surrounded by family.

She was 81 years old and had been unwell for some time due to age-related ailments, according to family sources.

A pillar of the Khan family, Zarine Khan was a well-known presence in Mumbai’s social circles and a source of strength for her husband and children. The family has requested privacy as they grieve.

She is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan, and their four children — Sussanne Khan, Zayed Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora.

Life of grace and creativity

Zarine Khan married Sanjay Khan in 1966, and together they became one of Bollywood’s most admired couples. Their love story reportedly began at a bus stop, a chance meeting that blossomed into a lifelong bond.

Before her marriage, Zarine had a brief but memorable stint in Hindi cinema, appearing in films such as Tere Ghar Ke Saamne (1963) — where she played Dev Anand’s secretary Jenny Fernandes — and Ek Phool Do Mali.

In later years, Zarine reinvented herself as a celebrated interior designer and food writer, inspiring her daughter Sussanne Khan to follow in her creative footsteps. She also authored a cookbook titled Family Secret, which shared cherished recipes passed down through generations.

Remembered as loving matriarch

Zarine Khan was deeply loved and admired by her children and grandchildren. On her 81st birthday in July, Sussanne Khan shared a heartfelt Instagram post celebrating her mother’s life and influence.

“My my… what an amazing mama you are! Everything I do and all that I create in life is because of the way you shaped my heart, my mind, and my grit. I am so honoured and grateful to be your little girl,” Sussanne wrote.

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A post shared by Sussanne Khan (@suzkr)

Her son, Zayed Khan, also often expressed his devotion to his mother. Earlier this year, he shared, “Nothing, I mean nothing, can truly be achieved without your mother’s blessings. Love and peace.”

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A post shared by ZAYED KHAN (@itszayedkhan)