The end of an era

After being together for 13 years, Gautami and Kamal Haasan have broken up.

It’s official. Actors and live-in partners Kamal Haasan and Gautami have broken up, joining the long list of power couples who have parted ways this year.

“It is heartbreaking to say today, that I and Mr. Haasan are no longer together. It has been one of the most devastating decisions that I have ever had to make in my life,” wrote Gautami on her Tuesday blog post, titled Life and Decisions.

The actress revealed that the two had grown apart. “It is never easy for anyone in a committed relationship to realise that their paths have irreversibly diverged and that the only choices are to either compromise with their dreams or to accept the truth of their solitude and move ahead. It has taken me a very long time to accept this heartbreaking truth and come to this decision,” she elaborated.

Asserting that she isn’t looking for sympathy, Gautami wrote, “The decision to set forth on my own at this stage in my life is perhaps one of the most difficult decisions any woman will ever have to make, but it is a necessary one, for I am a mother first and foremost and I have a responsibility to my child to be the best mother that I can be. To do that, it is essential that I am at peace within myself (sic).”

Is Shruti a reason Actress Shruti, Kamal’s elder daughter and Gautami are known to have had differences earlier. A source confirms that their misunderstandings on the sets of Sabaash Naidu was also a factor. “Everyone was talking about how Shruti didn’t like the costumes designed by Gautami. There were other issues too. The animosity between them was for all to see even when they were together on the sets,” says the source, adding, “Shruti tried to defy everything she said. But since she was her stylist, that’s where the major tension cropped up.” On her part, Shruti didn’t deny any of the problems and maintained a diplomatic stand. “She loves her father too much and couldn’t say anything. So, she chose to maintain a dignified silence in public,” says the source.

Love lost Apparently, Gautami was very unhappy with the way Shruti behaved with her on the sets of Sabaash Naidu. Also, Kamal’s silence over the issue added to Gautami’s insult.

Sources add that Kamal is “terribly upset” right now. He is apparently unhappy that Gautami went ahead and announced the separation alone, instead of a joint statement, something that they had decided upon.

Meanwhile... Kamal shattered Close friends of the couple say they saw it coming. “There were differences growing between them. Gautamiji had made up her mind some time back. She wanted to leave — to her own accommodation with her daughter Subbulaxmi. It’s a huge blow for Kamalji. He always regarded Subbu the same way as he did his own daughters Shruti and Akshara. And Subbu is deeply attached to Kamalji. He is shattered by their departure from his life,” says a close friend.

When contacted, Kamal Haasan was quiet for a long time. Then he said, “Whatever gives her comfort and solace is fine by me. My feelings at the moment are of no importance. What matters is that Gautami and Subbu should be comfortable and happy. I wish them all the best and want them to know that I am there for them whenever they need me. I am blessed with three daughters Shruti, Akshara and Subbulaxmi. I consider myself the luckiest father in the world.”