2014 in splitsville

Highlighting some episodes from the lows of celebrity relationships.

As is the case with every passing year, 2014 also saw the crumbling of some power couples. Breakups are hard to deal with as there are tears, heartbreaks and in some cases partners moving on quickly.

It’s even worse when you’re famous. With their heartbreak continuously under scrutiny, it becomes difficult to manage relationships.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith 



After 18 years of marriage, Melanie Griffith filed for divorce from 53-year-old Antonio Banderas in June 2014, according to TMZ. Griffith,  56, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce. The couple fell in love on the set of the 1995 film Two Much. A spokesperson for the couple announced on their behalf: “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalise our almost 20 years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together.” Griffith is asking for child support and sole physical and joint legal custody of their 17-year-old daughter Stella. The Working Girl star is also asking for spousal support. Banderas is reportedly dating Dutch investment consultant Nicole Kempel who is 20 years younger than him.

Anurag Kashyap and Kalki Koechlin 



Although to Anurag and Kalki they have insisted they are only taking a break from one another, the truth, according to friends is that their marriage is over, reported dnaindia.com. The two have accepted that they could not live amicably together but they will always be happy for each other. While Kashyap has been creatively active in the past few years, Kalki too is trying to broaden her experience in films. Independent of marriage vows, she is busy finding her niche as an actor. Friends of the actor say she never discusses her marriage with anyone and believes that dignity under pressure is often the solution to a cordial separation.

Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan



Undeniably, the most shocking separation in Bollywood. They had what friends of the couple describe as a fairytale marriage. With two beautiful sons, continual public appearances, laughter and eternal promises — they had it made. According to mutual friends of the duo, strain was developing between the couple for a while, though Hrithik didn’t realise it. “He thought he was giving her everything she wanted but in seeing the larger picture, he failed to see the cracks in their marriage,” reported ndtv.com. According to her close friends, Hrithik put in a lot of effort to make it work and both Sussanne’s and Hrithik’s parents tried their utmost to bring about a patch up but Sussanne remained adamant.

John Mayer and Katy Perry 



Perry and Mayer began an on/off relationship in the summer of 2012. Her relationship thrived after her divorce from Russell Brand, which was legally dissolved in July 2012, with the 38-year-old actor and comedian filing for divorce in December 2011, reported hollywoodlife.com. Mayer and Perry split more than three months ago and Perry recently revealed she recieved therapy post break-up, saying “What I’ve learned is that if you don’t have the foundation of self-love first, you really have nowhere to pull love from to give it away. I had to learn about taking care of myself before I could take care of others. I want to mommy everyone. I want to take care of them. I want to save them, and I forget myself in the meantime. I learned that through therapy.”

Harman Baweja and Bipasha Basu 



Bipasha and Harman finally confirmed in October 2014 that they have parted ways. However, the buzz about their alleged indiscretion has been slammed by both stars. In a joint statement, the couple said, “We have had our differences but the rumours spread by media has nothing to do with us taking our time off. In our relationship we have been dignified and respected each other. We do not like people having a field day at our expense. We will always respect each other and would request media to respect our privacy too instead of printing all kind of rumours without even verifying it with us,” reported masala.com. The ex-couple refused to go into the details of their split, as the break-up was a mutual decision.

Freida Pinto and Dev Patel 



The couple fell in love on the set of 2008’s hit flick Slumdog Millionaire. It has now been reported that Pinto and Patel have called it quits. According to US Weekly, the actors split some time ago after around six years together as a strong couple. A source said: “Dev and Freida have broken up. They have been done for a while.” The 30-year-old Indian beauty is enjoying herself since the break-up, and hinted that she’s happily going on other dates, reported Daily Mail. Dev, 24 is six years younger than his ex, and rose to fame after appearing in the Oscar-winning movie. His promising romance with Freida helped raise his celebrity profile over the years, but the two hadn’t been seen together for quite some time. The British actor was also absent at her 30^th birthday bash in October last year.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2015.

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