Bollywood couple, Aamir Khan and his wife of 15 years, Kiran Rao, have announced they are splitting less than six months to their 16th wedding anniversary.

The couple who recently marked their 15th wedding anniversary in December 2020 released a statement to announce their divorce on Saturday, June 3, 2021.

The 56-year-old actor and filmmaker, Rao, 47, dated for four years since they met on set in 2001 before given birth to their son, Azad Rao Khan, in 2011, although Khan has two children (Ira Khan, Junaid Khan) with his previous wife Reena Dutta (married from 1986–2002).

Times of India reported that Khan, Rao, Azad and the actor’s daughter Ira Khan were seen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary at the Gir National Park.

However, according to the divorce statement, Khan and Rao said that they have been planning their separation for some time.

The couple, however, noted that they will continue raising Azad together as well as work together on their Paani Foundation.

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.

We began a planned separation some time ago, and now feel comfortable to formalise this arrangement, of living separately yet sharing our lives the way an extended family does. We remain devoted parents to our son Azad, who 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. Thanks and love, Kiran and Aamir.”