In the glittering world of Bollywood, where love stories often blossom under the spotlight, the reality of relationships can be far more complex. Several high-profile celebrity couples have decided to part ways after spending over a decade together. These heartbreaking divorces, involving some of the industry’s most beloved stars, have left fans shocked. From Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani to Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao, the end of these long-term relationships underscores the challenges even by those who seem to have it all.
Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani
Esha Deol, the Dhoom actress and daughter of Bollywood couple, Dharmendra and Hema Malini, announced a mutual divorce from her businessman husband, Bharat Takhtani, after almost 12 years of marriage and two children together. They got married on June 29, 2012. Their official statement issued to Delhi Times read, “We have mutually and amicably decided to part ways. Throughout this shift in our lives, the best interests and welfare of our two children will be of utmost importance to us. We would appreciate it if our privacy is respected.” This news came as a shock to her fans.
Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik
The high-profile wedding of Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik took place on April 12, 2010. Their divorce was confirmed by an official statement released by the Mirza family and Sania’s team on January 21, 2024, after Shoaib posted photos from his third wedding on Instagram. Rumours about the potential split of Sania and Shoaib surfaced in November 2022, with various sources indicating that the couple had been living separately after settling legal matters and were co-parenting their only son, Izhaan and when the line “Husband to a superwoman @mirzasaniar” was removed from Shoaib’s Instagram bio.
Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora
The Bollywood power couple officially announced their separation on May 11, 2024, after almost 18 years of marriage and a son together. Malaika was reportedly living separately and providing for her son Arhaan’s education almost single-handedly. The couple was granted a divorce by the Bandra Family Court. They seem to have moved on gracefully, with Malaika dating Arjun Kapoor and Arbaaz already married to makeup Artist, Shura Khan, but their fans are still heartbroken.
Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan
Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan got married on December 20, 2000, after dating for some time. Over the years, they welcomed two children, Hrehaan and Hridaan Roshan. On December 13, 2013, just a week before their 13th wedding anniversary, Hrithik and Sussanne separated. Their divorce was finalized on November 1, 2014, ending speculation about a potential patch-up. After his divorce, Hrithik fell in love with musician-actress Saba Azad, despite a 12-year age gap, while Sussanne also found love again with Arslaan Goni.
Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh
Saif Ali Khan, the “Chote Nawab” of Pataudi, married actress Amrita Singh in October 1991. Unfortunately, their marriage ended 13 years later, with two children together. Saif paid an alimony of Rs 5 crore to Amrita and continued to pay Rs 1 lakh per month until their son turned 18. According to Saif, his ex-wife constantly insulted and abused his mother and sister during their marital life. Saif later married actress Kareena Kapoor and had two sons with her, while Amrita chose to focus on her children and did not marry again.
Sanjay Dutt and Rhea Pillai
After his ex-wife Richa’s death from brain cancer, Sanjay Dutt fell in love with socialite and model Rhea Pillai. They got married in February 1998. However, their relationship did not last, and after living separately for a few years, the couple filed for divorce in 2005, which was finalized in 2008, ending almost 10 years of marriage. Both were reportedly involved in extramarital relationships when the divorce was finalized. Pillai later married tennis ace Leander Paes, while Sanjay Dutt tied the knot with Manyata Dutt. Although not surprising, the news was still heartbreaking for Dutt’s fans.
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao
Legendary actor Aamir Khan met Kiran Rao during the filming of Lagaan, where he was the lead actor and Kiran was the assistant director. They married on December 28, 2005. In 2011, they welcomed their son, Azad Rao Khan, via surrogacy. They celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary at Gir National Park on December 28, 2020. Shortly after, they announced their divorce in a joint statement, emphasizing their commitment to co-parenting their son and continuing their professional partnership on the Paani Foundation and other projects they are passionate about. Their newly released movie ‘Laapata Ladies’ was a hit, reinforcing their status as the ultimate power couple of Bollywood.
