Zayed Khan has addressed the criticism surrounding the funeral rituals of his late mother, Zarine Khan, stating that the family’s actions were guided solely by her final wishes.
Zarine Khan passed away in November last year at the age of 81 due to age-related ailments. Following her death, visuals of Zayed Khan performing Hindu last rites led to discussions online, given her diverse cultural and religious background.
‘We Respected Her Final Wish’
In a recent interview, Zayed Khan shared that his mother had expressed a desire for her ashes to be immersed in a river, symbolising freedom and peace.
He emphasised that fulfilling a loved one’s last wish takes precedence over public opinion, noting that such decisions are deeply personal and should be respected.
A Family Rooted in Inclusivity
Highlighting his family’s values, Zayed described their approach to faith as personal and inclusive. He stated that religion, in their household, is not about comparison or hierarchy but about individual belief and respect.
According to him, the family identifies as secular and believes in prioritising humanity above rigid definitions of religious identity.
Responding to Public Criticism
Addressing the backlash, Zayed acknowledged that differing views exist in society but stressed that such perspectives evolve over time. He maintained that the family remains focused on compassion, respect, and unity rather than external judgment.
Remembering Zarine Khan
Zarine Khan had a notable presence in Hindi cinema and appeared in the classic film Tere Ghar Ke Samne alongside Dev Anand. She later married actor Sanjay Khan in 1966.
She is survived by her husband and their children, including Zayed Khan, Sussanne Khan, Farah Khan Ali, and Simone Arora.
Zayed Khan’s response underscores the importance of respecting personal beliefs and final wishes in matters of loss. The discussion also reflects broader conversations around identity, inclusivity, and evolving social perspectives in modern India.
