bollywood

Updated: Jan 22, 2016 13:26 IST

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar, his wife of 15 years, have announced their separation. Farhan, 42, and Adhuna 48, issued a joint statement on Thursday stating that they have ended their marriage and would like their privacy to be respected.

Farhan and Adhuna got married in 2000 after a courtship of three years. They have two daughters — Shakya and Akira.

Read: Farhan-Adhuna and Hrithik-Sussanne: the anatomy of a Bollywood divorce

The statement read, “This is to announce that we, Adhuna and Farhan, have mutually and amicably decided to separate. Our children remain our priority and it is immensely important to us, as responsible parents, that they be protected from unwarranted speculation and public glare. We sincerely request that we are given the privacy that is required at this time to move forward in a dignified manner.”

Read: Besides being my wife, Adhuna is a great friend, says Farhan Akhtar

According to reports, the couple has maintained that this split is a result of ‘growing apart over the years’. Although there are many rumours of the couple separating, the rumours got stronger when Adhuna was nowhere to be seen with Farhan during the release of his latest film Wazir as well as Daboo Ratnani’s calendar launch.

Read: I’ve never taken anyone for a ride, says Farhan Akhtar

The couple has always been all praises for each other. In an earlier interview with HT, Farhan had said, “I believe that for any relationship or marriage to be successful, the couple has to be great friends. It is also important to keep reinventing your friendship. Besides being my wife, Adhuna is a great friend and I know I can share my deepest secrets with her.”

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