Dia Mirza today announced her separation from husband Sahil Sangha, with whom she tied the knot in October 2011. In a post shared on Instagram, the actress wrote, “After 11 years of sharing our lives and being together, we have mutually decided to separate. We remain friends and will continue to be there for each other with love and respect. While our journeys may lead us down different paths, we are forever grateful for the bond that we share with each other.” She also emphasised that neither she nor Sahil will comment on the matter any further."
What stands her post apart is the dignity with which she has spoken about her separation. Pointing out the same, actress Richa Chadha commented, “so much dignity to that message.” Seconding her statement, Sophie Choudry wrote, “In everything you guys have done, you have always shown dignity & respect… even at a time like this.”
Times have really evolved and one needn’t be together if things aren’t working out well for them. And, Dia’s statement is an example of how a couple can show mutual respect for each other even in tougher times. In the past, we have seen similar statements issued by celebrities who part ways amicably and continued to be with each other and perhaps we all can learn a lesson or two from them.
1. Hrithik Roshan and Sussane Khan
After being married for 13 years, the couple parted ways in 2013. However, that didn’t stop them from being friends and perfect parents. Not only have they stood with each other during thick and thin but they have also taken out time for family dinners and vacations.
In a post shared on social media last year, Hrithik called Sussane his closest friend as he shared some pictures of her.
“Here is Sussanne, my closest friend ( also my ex-wife) capturing a moment with me and our boys. A moment in itself. It tells a story to our kids. That in a world separated by lines and ideas, it is still possible to be united. And that you can want different things as people and yet stay undivided. Here’s to a more united, tolerant, brave, open and loving world. It all starts at home,” he captioned the post.
2. Masaba Gupta and Madhu Mantena
Last year, fashion designer Masaba Gupta took to social media to announce that the couple is going on a trial separation in a heartfelt post. Soon after, when rumours surfaced about Madhu’s character, Masaba took to Twitter to shut the trolls. “Going to address this because of the infidelity bit attached. Or maybe I will address more as it comes, given that I won’t tolerate a single thing being said about Madhu’s character. Not true,” she had tweeted.
3. Arunoday Singh and Lee Elton
Earlier in May, actor and poet Arunoday Singh, who married to his long-time Canadian girlfriend Lee Elton in December 2016, announced that the couple has decided to part ways. In a post shared on Instagram, the actor wrote, “My marriage seems to be over. Turns out we were very good at love, but couldn't survive the reality. Despite our best efforts, professional counseling and a current trial separation, nothing seems to have helped bridge the fundamental differences that have emerged between us. It seems wiser to let go. I think we both deserve better. We shall try to resolve this with compassion and dignity."
4. Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani
After being married for 15 years, Farhan and Adhuna released an official statement in January 2016 to state that were parting ways. "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," read the statement.
Since then, the couple has moved on in their respective lives but they continue to co-parent their daughters in a perfect way. In fact, last week, Farhan was spotted outside Adhuna’s salon in Bandra.