Avantika Malik revealed that Imran Khan first suggested a separation before they decided to divorce six months later. Reflecting on their 18-year relationship, she said they were unfair to each other but doesn’t consider their marriage a failure.
Avantika Malik reveals Imran Khan initiated separation
Avantika met Imran at 19, married him in 2011 and they welcomed daughter Imaara. She revealed that Imran was the first to suggest separation.
Avantika said, "It was him actually. I would have never done it. Probably to my own detriment, but I would have never done it. It was his decision."
Avantika said Imran initially suggested taking time apart, and after six months, they mutually decided to divorce. She described the separation as painful, as she had to let go of their marriage and the future she had envisioned.
She further added, "When we initially separated, it is the death of the way you perceived your life would be, what you imagined your life would be, how it would play out. It’s probably the death of the most intimate relationship in your life at that point."
Avantika reflected that both she and Imran changed over the years, admitting she entered the relationship at 19 with unresolved emotional baggage and believed her partner was responsible for her happiness.
She said, "“At such a tender age, you don’t even realise that it’s your own responsibility. It’s like, ‘Oh, this person is in front of me and they are responsible for me being happy and content’."
"You don’t realise that over the years, you end up kind of damaging the relationship because you have these unrealistic expectations from it," she further added.
Avantika revealed that she and Imran repeatedly tried to save their marriage but eventually accepted that separation was best. Despite being disappointed with how things ended, she considers their 18-year relationship a success, saying they built a family and shared life’s ups and downs together.
FAQs
What is Imran Khan's citizenship and status in India?
He is a U.S. citizen living and working in India via an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
Why has Imran Khan been asked to leave India in October 2026?
He received an FRRO notice under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, ordering his departure by October 28, 2026, following his brief detention at an October 10 protest in Mumbai.