Actor Aamir Khan and filmmaker Kiran Rao have in a joint statement announced their divorce after 15 years of marriage.
The couple said they would co-parent their son, Azad Rao Khan, and their professional partnership involving the Paani Foundation and other passion projects would continue.
Khan and Rao's joint 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 went on: 'We began a planned separation some time ago, and now feel comfortable to formalize this arrangement of living separately yet sharing our lives the way an extended family does. We remain devoted parents to our son Azad, whom we will nurture and raise together. We will also continue to work as collaborators on films, Paani Foundation, and other projects that we 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,' the statement signed by Khan and Rao read.
Khan and Rao first met during the shooting of Lagaan (2001). Khan played the lead role in the Ashutosh Gowariker film while Rao was an assistant director. They tied the knot on 28 December 2005. Aamir Khan was previously married to Reena Dutta and has two children, Junaid Khan and Ira Khan, with her.
Kiran Rao produced several of Aamir Khan's films, including Talaash (2012) and Dangal (2016), and directed the artiste in Dhobi Ghat (2011). She also was chairperson of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for many years.
On the work front, Aamir Khan is looking forward to the release of his film Laal Singh Chadha later this year. It is directed by Secret Superstar (2017) director Advait Chandan.