Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao announce they are getting divorced

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has released an official statement to announce his divorce with wife Kiran Rao after 15 years of marriage.

Both Khan and Rao have released a joint statement announcing their separation. According to the Times of India, the former couple said they would like to begin a new chapter in their lives "no longer as husband and wife, but as co-parents and family for each other".

The former couple said they will remain devoted parents to their son Azad and will continue to work as collaborators on projects and Paani Foundation, a non profit organisation they founded together.

“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," the statement read.

"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," they said.

"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.”

The announcement came months after Khan and Rao celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in December.

In March, Khan quit all forms of social media and announced that all communication would be done via his production company.