South star Dhanush on Monday announced separation from his filmmaker wife Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth after 18 years of marriage. The two shared a note announcing their separation on their respective social media accounts.

“Eighteen years of togetherness as friends, couple, as parents and well wishers to each other. The journey has been of growth, understanding, adjusting and adapting. Today we stand at a place where our paths separate. Aishwaryaa and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better.

Also Read: Actor Dhanush’s mantras for a happy and successful life

“Please do Respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this. Om Namashivaaya! Spread love, D,” Dhanush shared in a note on Twitter.

Aishwaryaa shared the same note on Instagram and captioned it: “No caption needed…only your understanding n your love necessary!” Aishwaryaa has directed films like the Tamil romantic thriller “3” and black comedy “Vai Raja Vai”.

Who is Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth?

Daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, Aishwaryaa is a film director and playback singer. She made her feature film directorial debut with ‘3’ (2012) starring her ex-husband Dhanush.

Also read” In pics: Snippets from Kenny Sebastian-Tracy Alison’s wedding

Aishwaryaa, who entered the Tamil film industry as a playback singer,co sung ‘Napte napte’ from ‘Whistle’ (2003). In 2011, she announced her directoral debut in feature film titled ‘3’ that featured Dhanush and Shruti Hasan. The film was famous for its song ‘Why This Kolaveri Di’. 

The 40-year-old in 2015 announced that she will launch a YouTube channel to exclusively promote original content and short films by aspiring filmmakers. 

Aishwaryaa was a judge on STAR Vijay’s dance competition ‘Jodi Number One’ in its third season. She was selected as India’s goodwill ambassador for the UN Women organization in 2016. 

Also read: Alia Bhatt pays tribute to Pandit Birju Maharaj, recalls training with him

Dhanush and Aishwarya, daughter of megastar Rajinikanth, tied the knot in 2004 and are parents to two sons, Yatra and Linga, who were born in 2006 and 2010, respectively.

Dhanush, also a producer, was recently seen in the Aanand L Rai directed Hindi romantic drama “Atrangi Re” and has a long career in the Tamil film industry.