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The couple plan to raise their son Azad
together as well as continue to collaborate on films, their
co-owned nonprofit Paani Foundation and other projects, they
said in a joint statement.
"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
statement said.
"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."
Fifty-six-year-old Khan, who has two kids from a previous
marriage, is among the highest-grossing Bollywood actors. Beyond
India, he also enjoys a large fan following in China, the
world’s second-largest film market.
Rao is a film producer and director.
The couple met on the set of the Oscar-nominated 2001 film
Lagaan and tied the knot in 2005. In 2016, they co-founded the
Paani Foundation, a non-profit fighting against drought in the
western state of Maharashtra.
"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 added.
(Reporting by Shilpa Jamkhandikar in Mumbai; Editing by William
Mallard)
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