BOMBAY TIMES (July 4, 2021)

In a joint statement, they revealed that they planned the separation a while ago and are now formalising it. Aamir and Kiran added that they’ll remain co-parents and collaborators

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao on Saturday announced their decision to get divorced after 15 years of marriage, saying they were ready to start a new chapter as “co-parents and family for each other”.

Khan, 56, and Rao, 47, first met on the sets of the actor’s 2001 blockbuster movie Lagaan and got married in December 2005. They welcomed their son Azad Rao Khan in December 2011.

“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,” the joint statement read. Khan and Rao said they will “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,” they concluded.
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AAMIR WAS EARLIER MARRIED TO REENA DUTTA FOR 16 YEARS

Aamir was earlier married to Reena Dutta, from 1986 to 2002. They were neighbours and fell in love at a very young age. Aamir was 21 when they got married. Reena also had a cameo in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), Aamir’s first lead role.

About their relationship, Aamir earlier said, “Reena and I were married for 16 long years. When we split up, it was traumatic for us and our families. But we did not lose love or respect for each other post our split.” They have two kids – Junaid and Ira.

Aamir had earlier shared that Reena had helped him produce Lagaan (2001), learning the process from scratch.

The sets of Lagaan is also where Aamir first met Kiran, who was an assistant director in the film. “But at that time, we didn’t have any relationship, we were not even great friends. She was one of the people on the unit,” Aamir had said, “It was (some time) after my separation and divorce that I met her again. In that moment of trauma, her phone came and I talked to her on the phone for half an hour. And when I put the phone down, it struck me that when I am talking to her I am so happy.”

Pointing out the similarity between Kiran and Reena, Aamir had said, “I like strong women. My first wife Reena, my second wife Kiran. So I like people who are strong.”