IANS/Kochi
It’s now official. Kerala’s star couple Dileep and Manju Warrier’s divorce proceedings have officially begun.
Dilip filed a petition here yesterday seeking a divorce.
The actor, who filed the petition at the family court here seeking separation from his wife, urged the court to ensure that the details of the case are not published by the media citing a Supreme Court directive. The court agreed to his appeal.
The two have been living separately for a while. Their teenage daughter is now with Dileep.
They got married in 1998 after which Manju quit films, while Dileep’s career continued.
Last year when Manju, an experienced dancer, re-launched her dancing career and acted alongside Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in a commercial advertisement, it was more or less apparent that the two had decided to part.
And when she faced the arc lights on the sets of How Old Are You, it became clear they would begin the official separation.
The court yesterday posted hearing on Dileep’s petition for July 23 and asked Manju to also be present. On that day, the court will decide if the hearing should be held behind closed doors as requested by Dileep.
Meanwhile Dileep has also filed a caveat stating that in case Manju files a petition, he should be heard before the court admits it.
Manju, now 35, began her eventful career in 1995 and in a short span of four years acted in 20 films before their marriage.
Some of her best-known films include Sallapam, Ee Puzhayum Kadannu, Thooval Kottaram, Kaliyattam, Krishnagudiyil Oru Pranayakalathu, Daya, Summer in Bethlehem and Pathram.
She won four Filmfare Awards for best actress and won the National Film Award - Special Jury Award for her performance in Kannezhuthi Pottum Thottu in 1999.