Farah Khan Ali opens up on backlash over mother Zarine Khan’s hindu last rites

Advertisement

Mumbai: Fashion jewelry designer Farah Khan Ali opened up about the criticism her family faced after cremating her mother, Zarine Khan, according to Hindu traditions.

The family explained that they had done so to honor their mother’s dying wish and had not made a religious statement.

“My mother was born a Parsi, later she married Sanjay Khan, who is Muslim, and she wanted to be cremated.

I believe my mother was claustrophobic and never wanted to be buried, and she always spoke about the river in Kashmir, so she requested us to immerse her ashes in flowing water,” Farah said.

Zarine’s decision was also controversial as she was married to Muslim actor Sanjay Khan.

Advertisement

After her death in November 2025, Zarine, the mother of Sussanne and Zayed Khan, was a subject of online abuse from both Hindu and Muslim communities as people asked how a woman married into Islam could be cremated, Farah said.

“We had representatives from five religions-Parsi, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh-who performed prayers for her.

We always respected all religions, and we believe religion is a matter of choice,” she shared.

Zarine Khan died at the age of 81 in November 2025.

Her children have previously said they merely fulfilled their mother’s last request.

Also Read: Pandavani legend Teejan Bai passes away at 70

Advertisement