'I Was Petrified, Wasn't Even Earning': Imran Khan's Ex-Wife Avantika Malik Felt She Wouldn't Survive A Day After Divorce

Avantika Malik, estranged wife of Bollywood actor Imran Khan, has spoken publicly for the first time about their separation. The couple, who tied the knot in 2011 and have a daughter together, parted ways in 2019.

In an emotional and candid conversation on Janice Sequeira's The Healing Circle, Avantika opened up about her personal journey of healing, growth, and transformation following the end of their marriage, which had long been seen as a "golden couple" story in the public eye.

Avantika revealed that her struggle was never about societal judgment or the stigma of divorce, but more about the emotional fallout of a seemingly perfect relationship unraveling.

"I was so co-dependent that I didn't even know how to book a flight or do phone banking. I hadn't done anything on my own when I was married. I was a half-human. I lacked confidence in myself and I thought I couldn’t survive a day after my marriage. I wasn't even earning a living at the time," she said.

Avantika added, "The day that we decided 'This is it', I remember weeping like there was an immediate death in the family. That was the kind of wailing and weeping. Because to me, that was it. I am dead. There is no way I can move on, there is no way I can have a life. I was petrified."

She credited therapy and spirituality as the two major forces that helped her cope and rebuild her identity. "Therapy threw up a lot of awareness, and secondly, spirituality helped, because there was a lot of awareness that therapy brought up, and spirituality gives it perspective. It's only when perspective shifts, you can transform from within," Avantika further revealed.

Avantika, who found comfort in Buddhist teachings during her healing process, added, "Different things work for different people...if one isn't spiritual, lean towards meditation. The goal is to focus on being the best version of myself."

Meanwhile, Imran, who has maintained a low profile since stepping away from acting, confirmed that he is in a relationship with actress and artist Lekha Washington.

Imran had earlier told Vogue that he and Lekha grew close during the COVID-19 lockdown, a year and a half after he separated from Avantika. Lekha was previously married to journalist Pablo Chaterji, the son of renowned theatre artist Dhritiman Chaterji.

Imran and Avantika tied the knot in 2011 and they are parents to a daughter, Imara.