After his mother Zarine Khan passed away, Zayed Khan faced criticism for his funeral practices, which he subsequently addressed to the public. The actor explained that his mother wished to be cremated according to Hindu customs, which his family members followed when they arranged her funeral. He explained that the family’s intention was simply to honor her request and give her the farewell she had hoped for, rather than spark any debate about religion or traditions.
Zayed Khan Speaks About His Mother’s Final Wish
Zayed Khan showed emotional distress during a recent discussion with Zoom when he remembered his mother’s final wishes. He reported that she had revealed an intimate wish to him while they sat beside a beautiful river. She had expressed that when the time came, she wanted her ashes to be immersed in flowing water so she could “be free.” The actor said fulfilling a parent’s final wish is something he considers extremely important. For him and his family, ensuring that their mother’s wishes were respected mattered far more than how others might perceive the rituals. Zayed acknowledged that people may have their own interpretations of such matters, but he believes that personal choices made during moments of grief should be respected.
A Family That Sees Religion as Personal
Zayed explained his family’s religious practices because his family considered religion to be a private matter. He said their household values humanity above all and respects individuals from every background and faith. According to him, their upbringing has always emphasized compassion and coexistence rather than rigid boundaries based on religion. Zayed explained that people who work with his family come from various communities, but they show every person equal respect and kindness. The family has developed its religious beliefs through these values, which have existed for many years.
Why the Funeral Rituals Sparked Debate
The public dispute started after funeral images and videos of Zarine Khan appeared on the internet. Some social media users questioned why the last rites were conducted according to Hindu traditions because she had Parsi heritage and her husband belonged to a Muslim family. The discussion quickly spread across social media platforms with people expressing mixed reactions. Some people criticized the choice while others supported the family because they believed that a person’s final wishes should always take precedence over public opinion. Zayed explained that the family chose their path to honor their mother through her wishes and not to create a public disturbance.
Remembering Zarine Khan
Zarine Khan passed away in November 2025 at the age of 81 after battling age-related health issues. She was married to veteran actor Sanjay Khan and was part of one of Bollywood’s well-known families. Zarine dedicated her life to being a mother and managing their home while she worked in the film industry for a brief period. She appeared in the 1963 classic Tere Ghar Ke Samne alongside Dev Anand before stepping away from acting. She developed a reputation for her graceful demeanor throughout her life, and she served as the head of the Khan family. She is survived by her husband Sanjay Khan and their children, including Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora.
