Ridhi Dogra and Raqesh Bapat have ended their 8 years of marriage, and it has come as a shock to their million fans. They released a joint statement yesterday (February 07, 2019) which could be read as, "Yes, we are living separately. This decision has been taken with mutual respect and care for each other and our families. We are two best friends who may not be a couple anymore. But our friendship will continue as it always has, through thick and thin. Appreciate if no further speculation is made and heartfelt gratitude to everyone for all the love you have always given us." (Recommended Read: Rocky Jaiswal Surprises Hina Khan With Roses And Love Note But She Can't Stop Laughing, Here's Why)
Raqesh Bapat, post the official statement, was contacted by the Times of India, and he shared that he and Ridhi Dogra will continue to remain friends with each other. The Saat Phere actor was quoted as saying, "Yes, Ridhi and I have decided to separate. There is nothing bad and it's, in fact, a positive one. We are in a good space even now and will be the same forever. We are great friends and will continue to be the same always. We married as two best friends marrying each other and the special bond will always be there. Our friendship will always be there."
Raqesh also added that it's just that the definition of love has changed now for the two of them. He added that the vibes between each other are very different after 8 years into marital bliss, "Sometimes there is no reason as such. Over a period of seven years, you get to know how someone fits in your life. So, there is no specific reason that I can point out to. The vibes sometimes just don't work. We still love each other, it's just that the definition of love, in our case has changed now."
Ridhi Dogra also had a word with the Bombay Times and she said that the basic reason behind the separation is incompatibility. The Maryada: Lekin Kab Tak? actress retorted, "Raqesh and I were, are and would like to remain best of friends because that’s the understanding we share. There is incompatibility, and that’s about it. I don’t wish to make it dramatic or painful for either of us. We have very carefully and maturely tried to handle the situation and tried our best to not hurt each other or our families. We realised that we are better off as friends than partners."
Ridhi and Raqesh have separated and are planning a divorce. Talking about the latter, Ridhi shared, "We need time to figure things out. We are taking it one day at a time. There is no agenda. Everything will happen when it has to. Right now, the most important thing for both of us is to keep the dignity and value of what we have, intact." (Must Read: AR Rahman's Daughter, Khatija Trolled For Wearing Burqa, He Slams The Hate Brigade With Epic Reply)
On being asked if there is any chance of reconciliation, the 33-year-old actress replied, "Both of us are very positive people, who always wish everyone and each other well. It’s unfortunate that something like this has happened. But we still want to value each other as human beings. We have realised that if a relationship doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world. Another learning that we have gained from the experience is that one doesn’t have to become negative, bitter or dirty. As weird as it may sound, we are helping each other heal."
Does Ridhi retrace her life, and in retrospect think that she could have just remained friends with Raqesh and not get married? To this, she replied, "To each his own. It is always about two people and their interpersonal equation. LAsI said, we are still trying to keep that love, dignity and value intact for each other, irrespective of where we stand today. We will continue to look out for each other. I feel that only good has come out of our relationship. I have always said that I have learnt a lot from Raqesh and will always maintain that. Friendship leading to marriage is great, but what’s most important is that people should keep their ego in place while handling relationships irrespective of the circumstances, because that helps ease things out, be it in friendship, love or marriage."
Ridhi and Raqesh started dating after they first met on the sets of the Maryada — Lekin Kab Tak? in 2010, and soon became friends. In an interview, Ridhi had earlier shared, “Ours was the classic case of 'we were meant to be together', both of us individually didn't want to get married. Everyone had given up on me and him in our families. When we met on Maryada we ourselves felt an instant ease and comfort with each other." (You May Like: Sushant Singh Rajput Has A Wonderful Reply When Asked About Working With His Ex-Ankita Lokhande)
And amidst all of this, Ridhi has shared the following picture on her Instagram:
Ridhi and Raqesh used to seem like a made-for-each-other couple and totally inseparable. Their separation has left us all heartbroken.