Farhan Akhtar and wife Adhuna Akhtar separate after 15 years of marriage

Following 15 years of marriage, Indian actor/director Farhan Akhtar has parted ways with his wife Adhuna Akhtar, reported Hindustan Times.

The couple issued a joint statement about their separation just a few weeks after Farhan's latest film Wazir came out. The couple tied the knot in 2000 after a courtship of three years and have two daughters, Shakya and Akira.

According to the statement, the couple maintained that they would appreciate their privacy in this time: "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."

Rumours that the couple has been 'growing apart over the years' grew stronger when Adhuna didn't accompany Farhan at Wazir's launch.

However, no rift was seen between the couple on-screen; the two always had the best things to say about each other. Farhan had once 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.”

Farhan, a recipient of Filmfare Best Actor Award for Bhaag Mikha Bhaag, is currently working as a producer on Raees , a film starring Shahrukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Mahira Khan.