Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Roshan's marriage of 13 years, a subject of much discussion of late, is over. Roshan, 40, who is in the USA for a medical check-up, issued a statement on Friday saying his wife has decided to separate from him. "Sussanne 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.'' The actor's father Rakesh Roshan too confirmed that the couple is separating.

Sussanne, an interior designer, has been living separately from the family for nearly four months now. A source said, "She has been living with her children for some time now in a building at Four Bungalows in Versova, which is also closer to her shop. Both her children Hrehan and Hridhan do visit their father regularly.''

Despite the assertion in Hrithik's statement, Sussanne's father Sanjay Khan does not think it is the end and is quite hopeful that the couple will come together again. He said, "Both Sussanne and Hrithik are wonderful and very strong people...if both of them need space for a while I think we should respect it. Hrithik is like my son and I love him very much too. I will also say that they both are intelligent people and we should allow them to do what they want to.''

Sussanne who has been avoiding the media and has stopped making public appearances with Hrithik, also issued a statement. She said, "We are two individuals who respect and care for each other and have made our own individual choices. We are parents to two wonderful kids and our responsibility remains to protect and take care of them. Nothing can change that. Would appreciate if we are given our privacy in such a time. Thank you for your warmth & concern for both of us and the family.''