Former actress and model, Zarine Khan, died on November 7, 2025, at her Mumbai residence at the age of 81. The cause of her passing was reported to be cardiac arrest after a prolonged illness.
Zarine was a noted interior designer and television show host. She is survived by her husband, Sanjay Khan, and their four children, Sussanne Khan (Hrithik Roshan’s ex-wife), Zayed Khan (Main Hoon Na fame), Farah Ali Khan, and Simone Khan. Zarine also saw Hrithik Roshan as one of her children and maintained an amicable bond with him even after he divorced her daughter, Sussanne. Zarine once revealed some unknown details of the ex-lovers, which created great buzz online.
Zarine Khan opened up on Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan’s pre-marriage relationship
The late Zarine Khan, Sussanne Khan’s mother, illustrated the depth of the lifelong bond between emphasizing that Hrithik loved her long before he became a big star. In a 2012 interview with Filmfare, the former actress shared that Duggu (Hrithik’s nickname) had been interested in Sussanne from a young age. At that time, both Hrithik and Sussanne were not at their prime, with him having speech issues and often stuttering, and her being ‘at her ugliest, worst’ with uneven, protruding teeth. Zarine’s exact words were:
“When Sussanne was at her ugliest, worst with her two front teeth protruding, a young Duggu (Hrithik Roshan) had told his friends, ‘She’s the girl I’ll marry’. He’s been with Sussanne from the days he had a stutter and never imagined being a star. She was the one who pushed him and guided him, they’ve grown together”.
This anecdote highlighted the idea that Hrithik and Sussanne’s connection was gradually built on a deep friendship and mutual support. It also showed how neither of them cared about each other’s physical appearance and bonded on inner goodness. As per Zarine, Sussanne and Hrithik have ‘grown together’. Hrithik’s former mother-in-law also recalled how supportive Sussane was of his career goals, so much so that she vowed to stop having sweets, believing it would make Hrithik’s debut film, Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai (2000), a success. Moved by Sussanne’s love and dedication towards him, Hrithik married her right after the film’s release. Zarine stated:
“When Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, had not released, Sussanne pledged a vow of abstaining from sweets for Hrithik’s success. Hrithik honoured his commitment to her and married her soon after the release.”
Zarine Khan remained close to Hrithik Roshan even after his divorce from Sussanne Khan
Zarine Khan always maintained that, despite Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan’s eventual divorce in 2014, she was bonded to her son-in-law for life. While the ex-spouses co-parented their sons, Hrehaan and Hridhaan, they remained ‘best of friends’. That made Zarine happy as she always considered Hrithik her own son. According to Zarine’s account of Hrithik and Sussanne’s relationship post their divorce, which she shared with ETimes in 2024, the duo cared for each other and were on good terms. Zarine mentioned:
“He’s [Hrithik] the father of my grandchildren, and our relationship is forever. He still is my son. He and Sussanne are not together, but they are the best of friends, and they take care of each other.”
Hrithik Roshan paid his last respects to Zarine Khan at her funeral
Krrish actor, Hrithik Roshan, attended the funeral of his former mother-in-law, Zarine Khan, on November 7, 2025. He paid his last respects to Zarine and offered emotional support to his ex-wife, Sussanne, as she broke down in tears. Sussane’s brother, Zayed Khan, was also seen sobbing as he performed his mother’s last rites, as per Hindu traditions. Hrithik consoled the bereaved family as he attended the funeral with his current partner, Saba Azad. Sussanne’s current boyfriend, Arslan Goni, and other Bollywood celebrities, including Bobby Deol, Jackie Shroff, and Jaya Bachchan, were also present to mourn the loss.
We share our heartfelt condolences with Zarine Khan’s family and hope they find the strength to cope with the grief of her passing.