Hindi actor Aamir Khan and film producer Kiran Rao released a joint statement on Saturday announcing their divorce after 15 years of marriage. They added that they will co-parent their son Azad.
“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,” read the statement.
The duo added that they began a planned separation some time ago and wrote that they now “feel comfortable to formalise this arrangement, of living separately yet sharing our lives the way an extended family does.”
In the joint statement, Khan and Rao also mentioned that they will continue to work as collaborators on films, Paani Foundation (their NGO which is active in drought prevention and watershed management in the state of Maharashtra), and other projects that they feel passionate about.
“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,” they added.
Khan and Rao were married on December 28, 2005. Prior to that, Rao had worked with Khan in Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India in 2001. She was an assistant director for the film.
Recommended
Later, Khan starred in and co-produced Rao’s directorial debut Dhobi Ghaat in 2011. Other films they worked on together include Delhi Belly (2011), Dangal (2016), and Secret Superstar (2017). They also co-produced the television documentary series Satyamev Jayate (2012-14), which Khan hosted.
The duo is currently working together on an upcoming film Laal Singh Chaddha, starring Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead, and produced by Rao.