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Avantika Malik, former wife of actor Imran Khan, has opened up about the emotional aftermath of their separation and the complex journey of co-parenting. In a candid conversation with Nayandeep Rakshit, Avantika shared that while she and Imran maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their daughter, Imara, the path to rebuilding any deeper connection is still uncertain.

Avantika Malik calls separation from Imran Khan heartbreaking

The couple, who were teenage sweethearts before tying the knot, parted ways in 2019. Reflecting on their journey, Avantika admitted the breakup was heartbreaking, especially since she had long hoped to avoid the same fate her own parents faced. “I would have found it very difficult to walk away and to say this is it. It is mostly because of the kind of human being I am. I am extremely emotional,” she shared. “Another reason is that because my parents’ marriage didn’t work, I thought I always had this pressure to make mine work. I was too adamant that what was my reality as a child cannot be my reality as an adult. That fear was too deep to walk away.”

Though she acknowledged that both she and Imran made efforts to salvage the marriage, Avantika hinted that the decision to end things wasn’t hers. Years later, she says the experience has changed her perspective on relationships altogether, adding that she’s unsure if she’ll ever consider marriage again.

Avantika on her equation with Imran Khan

When asked about the current status of her equation with Imran, she said, “I hope. But we don’t (talk), not really. It’s cordial, but friends is a very strong term. We’re not there yet. Maybe some day.”

Despite the emotional strain, Avantika said that she’s always prioritised their daughter’s well-being above all else. Commending Imran’s role as a father, she said, “I know what it was like to go through life without a close intimate relationship with my father, I knew the price I paid for that, and there’s no way I would want that for my child. I want her to have an incredibly beautiful relationship with her father.”

She further explained why she’s careful not to let her own feelings taint Imara’s relationship with Imran. “I cannot negatively impact that in any way, because then I’m doing damage to her. We get caught up in our own resentments, maybe because we want to hurt the other person… If you’re going to poison your child, it’s because you are hurt and bitter. I was very clear that my emotions can’t creep into her.”