Dhanush, Aishwaryaa part ways after '18 years of togetherness'

Chennai: Actor Dhanush and director Aishwaryaa Dhanush have announced that they have decided to part ways after choosing to end their 18-year-long marriage.

Late on Monday night, both the actor and the director put out a letter, which looked similar for the most part, on their respective social media handles. Dhanush, who was most recently seen with Sara Ali Khan in 'Atrangi Re', shared his letter on Twitter, while Aishwarya chose Instagram.

In the letter posted on his timeline, Dhanush said, "18 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."

While they chose to not delve into the reason behind their split, Dhanush and Aishwaryaa said they needed to 'take time to understand (them) as individuals for the better.'

"Aishwaryaa and I have decided to part ways as a couple and take time to understand us as individuals for the better. Please do respect our decision and give us the needed privacy to deal with this. Om Namah Shivaaya! Spread the love!"

Aishwaryaa's letter read pretty much the same except for the last line in which she said: "Much love always to you all! Godspeed."

On Instagram, while posting the letter, Aishwaryaa added: "No caption needed. Only your understanding and your love are necessary!"

Dhanush and Aishwarya, daughter of actor Rajinikanth, tied the knot in 2004.

The duo got married when Dhanush was only 21 and Aishwaryaa 23.

The decision of the couple, who have two sons, Yatra and Linga, comes as a bolt from the blue to the film industry.