MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and his second wife Kiran Rao have announced that they are getting divorced after 15 years of marriage. In a joint statement signed by both Kiran and Aamir, released today, the two said that they will continue to be co-parents for their son Azad.

The statement, read, "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."

Khan was earlier married to Reena Dutta for 16 years from 1986 to 2002 and they have two children, son Junaid and daughter Ira. He met Rao on the sets of Lagaan where she assisted director Ashutosh Gowariker during the film's making in Gujarat and other locations. The two married in December 2005, and they announced the birth of their son, Azad Rao Khan, through surrogacy in December 2001.

The joint statement continued, "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."

While no one from the film fraternity has yet commented, however a few of them accepted that the announcement has come as a shock as no one has any news of issues between the couple, as a matter-of-fact one director said, "Aamir and Kiran always looked like the happiest couple around in town, it's just unbelievable. However, we have known both of them especially Aamir as very mature and sorted people and they must have discussed it from all angles."

Aamir Khan's close friend Amin Hajee is quoted in media that the couple were currently together in Kargil and that it was heartbreaking for the superstar and Kiran Rao to have taken this decision.