After 15 years of marriage, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao announced their divorce, stating they had been planning to separate for some time and finally feel ready to do so.
The pair declared in a joint statement that they were living separately but shared their lives like an extended family. “We will also continue to work as collaborators on films, Paani Foundation, and other projects that we feel passionate about,” the statement read.
“In these 15 beautiful years together we have shared a lifetime of experiences, joy, and laughter, and our relationship has only grown in trust, respect, and love. Now we would like to begin a new chapter in our lives – no longer as husband and wife, but as co-parents and family for each other,” it read.
Khan (56) and Rao (47) met on the filming of Khan’s blockbuster film “Lagaan” in 2001 and married in December 2005. In December 2011, they welcomed their son Azad Rao Khan into the world.
“We remain devoted parents to our son Azad, who we will nurture and raise together,” it stated.
They thanked their families and friends for their support. “A big thank you to our families and friends for their constant support and understanding about this evolution in our relationship, and without whom we would not have been so secure in taking this leap. We request our well-wishers for good wishes and blessings and hope that – like us – you will see this divorce not as an end, but as the start of a new journey,” it added.
Khan was previously married to Reena Dutta and starred in films such as “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak,” “Sarfarosh,” “3 Idiots,” “Talaash,” and “Dangal.” Junaid Khan is their son, while Ira Khan is their daughter.
Khan’s next film will be “Laal Singh Chadha,” an official Hindi version of Tom Hanks’ critically acclaimed film “Forrest Gump.” Rao is producing the picture, which follows in the footsteps of Dangal and Secret Superstar, which she also backed.