Actress Preity Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar have urged the media to respect the privacy of their friends, Hrithik Roshan and his wife of 13 years, Sussanne, who have announced their split.

Mumbai: Actress Preity Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar have urged the media to respect the privacy of their friends, Hrithik Roshan and his wife of 13 years, Sussanne, who have announced their split.

Hrithik released an official statement on Sussanne's decision to part ways with him after a relationship of 17 years - the duo dated four years before tying the knot Dec 20, 2000.

At the red carpet of the Colors Golden Petal Awards, Preity was asked to comment on the news.

She said: "I have one thing to say to the media with lots of humbleness...these are very personal moments for people, and please don't slander either him (Hrithik Roshan) or her (Sussanne). It is a very personal matter."

"I think you have to give them that space. It is very sad when everybody has their own personal comments," she added.

Karan, who shares a friendly bond with Hrithik and has worked with him in films like "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and "Agneepath", also refrained from commenting.

"It is too personal to them (Hrithik and Sussanne) and, therefore, personal to us. So, I feel very uncomfortable talking about, especially anything too personal to close friends on a national platform," he added.

However, actor Anil Kapoor is hopeful about the couple's re-union in future.

"Hrithik is a family friend. He is like a younger brother to me, even Sussanne. I am very very fond of both of them. But I think these are the things that really happen in a relationship," Anil, who shares a friendly bond with the couple, said.

"I am very optimistic and hope they get back together," he added.

On Dec 13, Hrithik announced his wife Sussanne's decision to split from him after 13 years of marriage.

Together, the couple has two sons - Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

IANS