Recently, the term “grey divorce” has gained traction online, describing the separation of couples who have spent many years together, typically over the age of 50. These couples, often referred to as “silver splitters,” may have been married or in long-term partnerships for 20, 30, or even 40 years. Various factors contribute to this trend, such as children moving out, partners evolving, and changing needs or desires.
Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicates that grey divorce has been on the rise in recent years. This trend is noticeable not only in the general population but also within Indian celebrity circles, especially after actress Urmila Matondkar reportedly separated from her husband, Mohsin Mir, after eight years of marriage. Here are five notable celebrity couples who exemplify the grey divorce phenomenon.
Former Indian tennis star Sania Mirza married Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik in 2010, but the couple divorced earlier this year. Their separation, occurring after nearly 14 years of marriage, is a prime example of grey divorce, especially following Shoaib’s third marriage to actress Sana Javed.
Another notable couple is Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan, who tied the knot in 1997. After nearly 19 years together, they decided to part ways in 2017, fitting the grey divorce trend perfectly.
Not only Arbaaz Khan but also his brother Sohail Khan and ex-wife Seema Sajdeh represent grey divorce. Married for almost two decades, the couple officially ended their marriage in 2022.
Hrithik Roshan and Susanne Khan also experienced a grey divorce. They married in 2000 and divorced in 2014 after 14 years together. Despite their separation, they remain amicable and co-parent their children.
Lastly, Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao announced their divorce in July 2021 after more than 15 years of marriage. Their split adds to the list of celebrity couples navigating the grey divorce trend.
The rise of grey divorce highlights changing societal norms and personal choices among couples in their later years. Understanding this trend sheds light on the complexities of relationships and the reasons behind separations after decades of partnership.
