B-Town actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife Adhuna have decided to mutually separate after 16 years of marriage. The couple confirmed the decision in a joint statement issued on Thursday, reported intoday.in.

‘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,’ the duo stated.

‘While no official reason was given for the separation, the couple’s decision was reportedly ‘a matter of growing apart over the years’.’

‘Unconfirmed rumours suggest Adhuna was unhappy because Farhan was getting too close to a co-star.’

‘The joint statement has shocked the entire film industry considering Farhan and Adhuna were counted among the most amicable couples in B-Town. They were a common sight at various filmy dos, happily striking poses together for the shutterbugs.’

‘Murmurs erupted lately when Farhan started turning up solo at a few recent parties. At Dabboo Ratnani’s calendar launch last week and the success party of his new film Wazir, Farhan arrived all alone, noticeably wearing a glum, unshaven look. Adhuna was nowhere by his side.’

‘Farhan and Adhuna met on the set of Dil Chahta Hai in 2000. The film marked Farhan’s debut as director and also featured him in the cast. Adhuna was a budding hairstylist then, and also in charge of styling hair in the film.’

‘They got married the same year and, over the years, Farhan and Adhuna have been among Bollywood’s most graceful couples.’

‘Farhan was recently seen in Wazir, a film he has co-produced. The movie has the actor essay the role of an ATS officer, and it also features Amitabh Bachchan and Aditi Rao Hydari.’