MUMBAI: Have a look at Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao's beautiful love story. It came as a shock to many, when Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao announced their separation after 15 years of marriage. They said that they were ready to start a new chapter as co-parents and family for each other while living separately. 

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. 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. A big thank you to our families and friends for their constant support and understanding about this evolution in our relationship, and without whom we would not have been so secure in taking this leap. We request our well wishers for good wishes and blessings, and hope that - like us - you will see this divorce not as an end, but as the start of a new journey. Thanks and love, Kiran and Aamir."

Fans are having a tough time believing that the couple has called it quits. While some expressed shock, others were sad to know this.

Let's take a look at Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao's love story.

Take a look.

1. The first meeting
Aamir Khan found love in Kiran Rao after his divorce with Reena Dutta. In an interview, the actor had said that they had met during the filming of 'Lagaan', but that time there was nothing between the two. Talking about time when he first met Kiran and how love blossomed between them, Amir shared, "I met Kiran when I was doing Lagaan. She was one of the ADs (assistant directors) on that but at that time, we didn’t have any relationship, we were not even great friends. She was one of the people on the unit. It was after my separation and divorce after some time that I met her again."

2. How love blossomed between the two
It was after his divorce from Reena Dutta that Aamir came close to Kiran. He had met only once before his divorce. However, when he met her the second time and in his period of trauma when Kiran called Aamir, he revealed he talked to her for over an hour and felt relieved. "In that moment of trauma, her phone came and I talked to her for half an hour. When I put the phone down, I said, 'My God, I am so happy when I talk to her.' It struck me in that instant," Aamir had said.

3. When Aamir Khan said he can't imagine his life without Kiran
In his interview, Aamir Khan also revealed that Kiran Rao and he dated for over a year and a half before finally tying the knot. He also said that he can't imagine his life without her. "Then we began dating, we began seeing each other. We lived together for a year or year and a half before we got married. I can never imagine my life without Kiran as my partner. I feel very blessed and I feel very grateful for it," the actor added.

4. Wedding
Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao finally tied the knot in December 2005. He has a son, Azad Rao, with Kiran. 

5. Aamir Khan's first marriage with Reena Dutta
Aamir Khan was married to his ex-wife, Reena Dutta, for fifteen years. The couple divorced in 2002. They have two children together.

Credits: DNA