Introduction: Honoring a Hindu-born star with Hindu rites
The passing of Zarine Khan, wife of veteran filmmaker and actor Sanjay Khan, marked the end of an era in Indian cinema. At 81, she departed with a life rooted in Hindu traditions, as she was born a Hindu and did not convert to Islam. In line with her cultural background and last wishes, Zarine Khan’s funeral was conducted according to Hindu rituals. The event was led with dignity by her family, and her son Zayed Khan played a central role, guiding the family through the dah-sanskar ceremonies.
Who was Zarine Khan and why the rites mattered
Commonly known as the wife of iconic figure Sanjay Khan, Zarine Khan’s personal life reflected a blend of art, faith, and family. Her Hindu origins were a defining aspect of how she chose to be honored after death. In Hindu tradition, dah-sanskar refers to the traditional rites associated with the final rites of the body, including rituals designed to honor the deceased and ease the soul’s journey. By choosing these rites, the family reaffirmed her spiritual and cultural identity.
The role of Zayed Khan in the dah-sanskar
Zayed Khan, a son of Zarine Khan and Sanjay Khan, took the lead in the dah-sanskar process, fulfilling his mother’s last wish. The involvement of a son in guiding the final rites is a common and meaningful practice in many Hindu funerary customs, reflecting filial duty and reverence. Zayed’s participation was widely viewed as a poignant moment for fans and peers who remember Zarine Khan for her contributions to cinema and her enduring family legacy.
What is dah-sanskar?
Dah-sanskar encompasses the set of Hindu funeral rites performed after death, including the ceremonial bathing, the ultimate cremation, and the rites meant to aid the soul in its journey. The procedure varies by region, family tradition, and local temple customs, but the core aim remains the same: to honor the deceased’s life, ensure peace for the soul, and provide closure for loved ones.
A reflection on cultural and religious identity
For Zarine Khan’s fans and the broader film community, the funeral underscored the importance of respecting an artist’s cultural and religious identity. While the public often focuses on screen legacies, personal beliefs and rituals offer a deeper window into the person behind the fame. The decision to perform Hindu rites highlighted a respect for Zarine Khan’s own heritage and wishes, rather than aligning with a one-size-fits-all approach to mourning.
Public response and remembrance
News of the funeral protocol prompted discussions among admirers and industry colleagues about the significance of honoring personal faiths in public life. The Dah-sanskar service, headed by Zayed Khan, was reported with sensitivity, illustrating how families navigate loss while remaining true to their traditions. Tributes from co-stars and cinema veterans reflected Zarine Khan’s long-standing influence and the memories she left in the hearts of fans and fellow artists.
Conclusion: A dignified homage to a life in cinema
In choosing Hindu rites for Zarine Khan’s final journey, her family honored a personal identity and a long-standing cultural tradition. The dah-sanskar ceremony, led by Zayed Khan, served as a poignant farewell that resonated with those who admired her for her professional work and her devotion to family. As the film world slowly moves to celebrate both legacies and lives well lived, Zarine Khan’s funeral stands as a respectful reminder of how faith and family are deeply woven into the tapestry of Indian cinema.
