Hrithik Roshan gave rest to speculations and rumours by finally announcing separation from wife Sussanne Khan. The actor made it official that the couple has decided to end their 13-year long marriage.

An official statement from the actor stated: “Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end our 17-year relationship. This is a very trying time for the entire family and I request the media and the people to grant us our privacy at this time. I do not wish this news to disempower my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way. I am a firm believer in this institution and respect and honour it at the highest level.... And once again I thank my fans for all the concern and prayers for my health, my treatment is going well and I should be able to resume my life in every way very soon.”

The couple has two sons — Hrehaan, 7 and Hridhaan, 5. According to the reports, the two were living separately for over three months. They weren’t making any public appearances, even on important events like promotions of home production Krrish 3 and launch of Sussanne’s new store. later, Sussanne announced Hrithik’s participation during her store opening on December11, but the actor was vacationing with friends in US and good friend Salman Khan stepped in. If reports are to be believed, in September Sussanne made a brief appearance at father-in-law Rakesh Roshan’s birthday party. Apparently, she arrived late with her brother Zayed and parents, Sanjay and Zarine Khan.

In 2009-2010, there was a buzz that Sussanne left home due to Hrithik’s closeness to a co-star but the couple maintained it was rumour. The two were in love since their teenage and decided to get married in 2000. Their respective families were in good terms, too. Though the news has shocked his fans, Hrithik insists that his belief in marriage hasn’t shattered.