Imran Khan recently made headlines after appearing in public for the first time in years at the premiere of Happy Patel. The actor walked the red carpet with his partner Lekha Washington, a moment that had deep personal significance. Speaking candidly, Khan acknowledged the role of Lekha and his daughter in helping him overcome the difficult phase of depression, and credited their support for giving him the strength to rebuild his life and return to the limelight.
The appearance renewed public curiosity about Khan’s past, particularly his former marriage to Avantika Malik, a relationship that had once attracted intense media attention during the height of his career.
Who is Avantika Malik?
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Despite her close association with the Hindi film industry early in life, Avantika Malik has consistently chosen to stay away from celebrity culture. She is the daughter of former actor turned businesswoman Vandana Malik and is related to filmmaker Aamir Khan through his ex-wife Reena Dutta. Although she appeared in films briefly during her childhood, Malik did not act professionally, instead opting for a quiet life beyond cinema.
Over the years, they have established themselves in the hospitality and lifestyle sector. Malik is a trained mixologist and works in high-end establishments in Mumbai and Goa, as well as managing independent enterprises. His social media presence reflects a creative and introspective approach rather than the public attention, often sharing glimpses of his everyday life.
Imran Khan and Avantika Malik: A relationship that grew and changed
Imran Khan and Avantika Malik started their relationship when they were teenagers, long before Khan became a household name. As their popularity grew, their romance became widely popular. In 2011, the couple formalized their relationship through a private civil marriage at Aamir Khan’s home.
In 2014, they became parents to their daughter, Imara. For many years, the marriage appeared stable, but over time, differences emerged. In 2019, after eight years together, the couple decided to separate amicably, preferring co-parenting responsibilities.
Malik later reflected on the separation in 2024 during a conversation on Janice Sequeira’s podcast. He spoke about the emotional impact of the decision, admitting that initially he felt overwhelmed with fear, uncertainty, and a sense of failure. At the time, they also faced financial insecurity, which made the transition even more challenging. Ultimately, he attributed the split to the two individuals evolving in different directions.
where is avantika malik today
Currently, Avantika Malik leads a largely private life, focusing on her professional activities and raising her daughter. His social media reflects moments of peace – time spent with family, close friends and personal interests – rather than public appearances. She has also talked about how growing up with Imran Khan shaped her emotional world, admitting that meeting at such a young age blurred personal boundaries.
Today, Malik appears focused on building a life defined by self-reliance and balance, away from the glamor of Bollywood, as she continues to move forward on her own terms.