Updated: November 7, 2025
Hey there, fellow Bollywood enthusiasts! If you’ve been scrolling through the headlines today, you might have caught the heartbreaking news about Zarine Khan’s passing at 81. As the beloved matriarch of the Khan family—wife to Sanjay Khan and mother to stars like Zayed and Simone—her departure has left a void in the industry. But amid the tributes, one question keeps popping up: What was Zarine Khan’s religion? In this post, we’ll dive into her spiritual roots, her interfaith life, and how faith shaped her remarkable story. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about celebrity faiths, stick around for an honest, heartfelt look.
Table of Contents
Zarine Khan’s Early Life and Parsi Heritage
Born as Zarine Katrak in the bustling heart of Mumbai, Zarine came from a prominent Parsi family with deep ties to the city’s cultural and business elite. Parsis, followers of Zoroastrianism, are a tight-knit community known for their emphasis on charity, education, and preserving ancient Persian traditions in India. Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, revolves around the core principles of “good thoughts, good words, good deeds.” It’s no wonder Zarine’s upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of family values and resilience—qualities that defined her through decades of highs and lows.
Growing up in a Parsi household, food was more than sustenance; it was a love language. Zarine often shared stories of her grandmother’s lavish feasts, blending Parsi flavors like dhansak and patrani machhi with warmth that filled their home. This Zoroastrian foundation wasn’t just cultural—it was spiritual, teaching her about ethical living and community service. Even as Bollywood beckoned, Zarine’s faith remained a quiet anchor, influencing her elegant poise and unwavering support for her family.
Navigating an Interfaith Marriage in the Spotlight
Zarine’s life took a dramatic turn in 1960 when she married Sanjay Khan, a rising Muslim actor from a Pathan family. This union was groundbreaking—and controversial—for its time. In an era when interfaith marriages were rare in Bollywood, Zarine bridged two worlds: the fire temples of Zoroastrianism and the mosques of Islam. She didn’t convert, staying true to her Parsi roots, but embraced elements of her husband’s faith, creating a harmonious household that raised six children in a blend of traditions.
Imagine hosting Eid celebrations alongside Navroz (the Parsi New Year)—that’s the magic Zarine wove. Her home became a melting pot, where kids like Zayed learned respect for multiple beliefs. This interfaith dynamic wasn’t always easy; societal whispers and family pressures tested them. Yet, Zarine handled it with grace, proving that love could transcend religious boundaries. Her story reminds us that in Bollywood’s glitzy facade, real strength lies in quiet compromises and shared values.
Faith’s Role in Zarine Khan’s Bollywood Journey
While Zarine stepped away from the silver screen after a brief stint, her influence on Bollywood was profound. As Sanjay’s pillar during turbulent times—like his near-fatal stabbing in 2007—she embodied quiet faith. Zoroastrianism’s focus on perseverance mirrored her own: rebuilding after personal tragedies, including the loss of a child, and supporting her husband’s production house.
Zarine’s spirituality shone in her later years through philanthropy and her love for cooking shows, where she celebrated Parsi cuisine as a cultural ritual. She wasn’t one for public sermons, but her actions spoke volumes—donating to Parsi causes and fostering interfaith dialogues at home. In a industry often criticized for superficiality, Zarine’s grounded faith offered a refreshing contrast, inspiring women to balance ambition with inner peace.
The Heartfelt Farewell: Hindu Rituals Amid Parsi Roots
Today’s news of Zarine’s funeral has sparked curiosity and debate. Despite her Parsi heritage, the last rites were performed according to Hindu customs, including cremation—a departure from Zoroastrian traditions of sky burials. Zayed Khan, visibly emotional, led the ceremony, honoring what many believe was his mother’s pre-marriage faith or personal wishes.
This choice highlights Zarine’s fluid spirituality—perhaps influenced by decades in a multicultural family. It wasn’t a rejection of her Parsi identity but a celebration of the Hindu elements she embraced over time. As fans mourn, this ritual underscores a universal truth: Faith evolves, just like life.
Conclusion: Zarine Khan’s Enduring Spiritual Legacy
Zarine Khan’s religion wasn’t confined to labels; it was a vibrant tapestry of Parsi pride, interfaith harmony, and quiet devotion. From her Zoroastrian beginnings to her blended family life, she showed us that spirituality is personal, adaptive, and profoundly human. As Bollywood says goodbye to this icon, her story encourages us to cherish our roots while embracing others’. Rest in peace, Zarine—your good deeds live on. What’s your take on interfaith journeys in celebs? Drop a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Zarine Khan’s religion?
Zarine Khan was born into a Parsi family, following Zoroastrianism, but her life reflected influences from Hinduism and Islam due to her interfaith marriage.
2. Why was Zarine Khan’s funeral held with Hindu rituals?
The family chose Hindu cremation rites to honor her personal wishes and pre-marriage faith, despite her Parsi heritage, as a tribute to her life’s blended traditions.
3. Did Zarine Khan convert to Islam after marrying Sanjay Khan?
No, Zarine remained Parsi by faith but fully embraced her husband’s Muslim culture, raising their family in a respectful mix of both religions.
4. How did Zarine Khan’s faith influence her family?
Her Zoroastrian values of ethics and community shaped a resilient, multicultural household, teaching her children like Zayed to navigate diversity with empathy and strength.