Mumbai: Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan today issued a statement to announce that his wife Suzanne had decided to separate from him and end their 17-year-old marital relationship.

The statement says: “Suszanne 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. Thank you”

Sussanne and Hrithik have two children Hrehaan, age 7 years, and Hridhaan, age 5 years.

The couple have not been appearing in public together at Bollywood events of late. The rumours gained ground when Sussanne attended Rakesh Roshan’s birthday party with her mother and siblings and left with them.

Sussanne had moved into her parents Sanjay Khan and Zarine’s home in Juhu, and the speculations began to make the rounds. During the release of Hrithik’s blockbuster film Krissh 3 too, Sussanne was nowhere to be seen.