Leading Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, who celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary not long ago at the Gir National Park, announced their divorce on Saturday morning. The Dangal actor wed Kiran Rao in 2005 and the couple were blessed with a son in 2011, whom they named Azad. Both Aamir and Kiran met during the shooting of the 2001 Hindi film, Lagaan, in which the latter served as an assistant director. They released an official statement and said they had been planning separation for sometime, while also adding that they will continue to be "devoted parents" to their son, Azad. 

Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao's joint statement is as follows: "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."

Aamir Khan had previously been married to Reena Dutta, with whom he has a daughter named Ira Khan and a son named Junaid. While Ira has been focused on a career in music, her brother Junaid has assisted Aamir in filmmaking. Ira has also taken to direction by adapting Euripides' Medea for theatre, with Hazel Keech cast in the titular role. As for Aamir Khan, he will next be seen in Laal Singh Chaddha, a remake of the iconic Hollywood film Forrest Gump, which earned Tom Hanks an Academy Award for Best Actor.