Who Is Sanjay Khan’s Wife? Inside the Actor’s Life and Family
You’ve seen Sanjay Khan’s name etched into the golden era of Indian cinema—an actor, producer, and director whose work shaped Bollywood’s landscape in the 1960s through the 1980s. But behind the glamour, fans have often wondered about his personal life—especially about Sanjay Khan’s wife, the woman who has been his steadfast companion through decades of fame, controversy, and transformation. Her name is Zarine Katrak Khan, and her story is one of grace, resilience, and quiet strength that helped anchor one of Bollywood’s most talked-about families.
The Man Behind the Fame
Born on January 3, 1941, in Bangalore, India, as Shah Abbas Khan, Sanjay Khan came from a distinguished Pathan family with a strong sense of culture and discipline. He entered the Hindi film industry at a time when Bollywood was shifting from black-and-white to color, and he quickly made his mark with his refined looks and dignified screen presence. His debut in Dosti (1964) was well received, but it was films like Dus Lakh (1966), Ek Phool Do Mali (1969), and Intaquam (1969) that turned him into a household name.
Sanjay’s career wasn’t limited to acting—he later became a respected director and producer, known for his ambitious projects like Abdullah (1980) and the hugely popular television epic The Sword of Tipu Sultan (1989–1990). However, the latter was marred by tragedy when a fire broke out on set in 1989, injuring him severely and killing over 60 people. He spent months recovering, undergoing several surgeries, and later wrote about his experience in his memoir The Best Mistakes of My Life.
Through all these triumphs and trials, one person remained constant in his life: his wife, Zarine Katrak Khan.
Who Is Zarine Khan?
Zarine Katrak Khan, better known as Zarine Khan, is more than just Sanjay Khan’s wife—she’s a successful woman in her own right. Born into a Parsi family in Mumbai, Zarine started her career as a model, admired for her elegance and striking beauty. She quickly made a name for herself in the glamour industry before transitioning into interior design, where she built a legacy of creativity and sophistication.
As the founder of ZK Designs, Zarine has designed luxury residences, hotels, and high-profile spaces for some of India’s most prominent families. Her aesthetic blends Indian tradition with contemporary flair, and she’s often featured in design and lifestyle publications for her innovative approach.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Zarine is known for her composure, dignity, and commitment to family—qualities that helped her navigate the complexities of being married to a public figure like Sanjay Khan.
A Love Story That Began in the 1960s
Sanjay and Zarine’s love story began long before Bollywood stardom or controversies. The couple met in the 1960s, when both were young and just beginning to make their mark in their respective fields. Zarine was a well-known model from an affluent background, while Sanjay was an emerging actor. Their romance blossomed quickly, and in 1966, they tied the knot in a private ceremony, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades.
Their marriage represented the union of two worlds—Sanjay’s disciplined, traditional upbringing and Zarine’s cosmopolitan, creative background. Together, they built a family that would later become one of Bollywood’s most recognizable dynasties.
The Khan Family
Sanjay and Zarine have four children: Simone Arora, Farah Khan Ali, Sussanne Khan, and Feroze Khan (not to be confused with the late actor of the same name). Each of their daughters has carved out her own successful path in the world of art, design, and business.
Simone Arora is a prominent entrepreneur, known for her luxury home furnishings brand D’Décor. Farah Khan Ali is a celebrated jewelry designer with a global clientele and a strong social media presence. Sussanne Khan, perhaps the most widely recognized of the siblings, is an interior designer and entrepreneur, formerly married to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan. Their youngest, Feroze, prefers to stay away from the limelight.
Zarine’s influence on her children is evident in their success. She raised them with a focus on independence, creativity, and resilience—values she exemplifies herself. Even though the family has experienced its share of public attention, particularly with Sussanne’s high-profile marriage and divorce, they remain close-knit and supportive of one another.
The Scandal That Rocked Their Marriage
While Sanjay and Zarine’s marriage has endured for decades, it wasn’t without challenges. In the early 1980s, Sanjay Khan’s alleged affair with actress Zeenat Aman became one of Bollywood’s most sensational controversies. The two reportedly grew close while working together on the film Abdullah (1980). Their relationship, however, quickly became the subject of public gossip and ended under deeply troubling circumstances.
In 1980, multiple media outlets reported that Zeenat Aman was assaulted at a party in Mumbai, allegedly by Sanjay Khan. The incident left her seriously injured and marked a permanent end to their association—both personally and professionally. The affair and its fallout became one of Bollywood’s darkest scandals of that era.
It’s important to note that while Zeenat Aman’s name has often been linked with Sanjay Khan in this context, she was never his wife. Sanjay Khan has only ever been married to Zarine Katrak Khan, with whom he continues to share his life. Zeenat Aman later married actor Mazhar Khan in 1985, and they had two sons before his passing in 1998.
Throughout this turbulent time, Zarine Khan remained composed and resilient. She chose not to engage with the media or issue public statements about the scandal. Instead, she maintained her focus on her children and her work, quietly enduring the scrutiny that came with being the wife of a major Bollywood star.
Life Beyond the Headlines
After the controversy faded, Sanjay Khan focused on rebuilding his professional life and reputation. He continued his creative pursuits, directed successful projects, and later turned toward business and philanthropy. His resilience, along with Zarine’s quiet support, helped the couple move past the most difficult period of their marriage.
Zarine continued to flourish in her design career, becoming one of India’s most respected interior designers. Together, the couple has remained a fixture in Mumbai’s social circuit, often appearing at family events and high-profile gatherings with their children.
A Legacy of Strength and Grace
Zarine Khan’s journey is one defined by grace under pressure. Married for over five decades, she has faced fame, tragedy, and controversy with dignity. Her life stands as proof that strength doesn’t always have to be loud—it can be steady, patient, and quietly powerful.
So when people ask about Sanjay Khan’s wife, they’re really asking about a woman who has stood by her husband through every season of his life. And while rumors and scandals may have once surrounded the Khan family, what endures today is their resilience, their unity, and Zarine’s unwavering poise.
In the end, the story of Sanjay Khan and his wife is not one of perfection, but of endurance—a marriage that has withstood time, fame, and adversity. And through it all, Zarine remains the calm at the center of a whirlwind—a woman whose strength has defined one of Bollywood’s most remarkable families.
Featured Image Source: news18.com
