Subhash K Jha (DNA; December 16, 2013)

After months of speculation and gagging order to the press, actor Hrithik Roshan has finally let the world know that his marriage to wife Sussanne is ending.

But the wording of the press statement by the actor has shocked Sussanne’s friends. Says one of the lines in the parting shot in form of a press statement, “Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end our 17-year relationship.” The words make it clear that the split is Mrs Roshan’s decision, which even though may be true, is not the nicest way to part with one’s life partner. Her friends say this certainly was not expected from Hrithik who is always so ‘correct’.

Says a friend of Sussanne, “I am shocked that he sent out a statement like this. I am sorry but it seems like he is seeking sympathy. Also, there was no need to stress that he still believes in the institution of marriage. Does that mean that Sussanne doesn’t? And why did he feel the need to talk about his illness in a statement about their split? Especially when all along he and his family have been claiming that all is well. We are all shaken by his stance. She has stood by him through a lot of rough times. She never went to the press and ‘blamed’ him for anything and she expected the same from him.”

Recently another celebrity marriage was suspended/terminated. Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin sent out a joint statement declaring, “We are taking time off from each other to sort out issues.” Director Imtiaz Ali who has also split from his wife did not give any official statement, but said in an interview he placed all the blame for the split on himself saying he was never a good husband. It is just another way by men to gracefully shoulder the blame for a broken marriage and take responsibility for a split, no matter who of the pair is to blame.

Years ago Aamir Khan had displayed the same dignity while splitting from Reena, his sweetheart-turned-wife. As did Saif and Amrita. There was no finger pointing or blame game. In Hollywood too the splits are handled with ample dignity and grace. When Heidi Klum bid farewell to her marriage with Seal they put out a graceful statement saying, ““While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching, we have decided to separate.” Significantly in the Hrithik-Sussanne split her voice is completely missing in the statement of separation.