Avantika Malik, ex-wife of actor Imran Khan, has recently spoken candidly about her divorce and co-parenting journey, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring their daughter Imara has a healthy relationship with her father. In various interviews and discussions, she has articulated her stance on not "poisoning" her daughter against Imran, regardless of any personal resentments she may harbor.
Avantika and Imran, who were childhood sweethearts, married in 2011 but separated in 2019. The separation was a difficult period for Avantika, who described it as the "worst thing" she had to go through. She admitted to feeling devastated and initially believing she wouldn't survive without Imran. This stemmed from a place of deep emotional dependence, which she partly attributes to her parents' divorce and a desire to make her own marriage work.
Despite the pain and challenges, Avantika has been steadfast in prioritizing Imara's well-being. She emphasized that she would never want her daughter to experience the absence of a close relationship with her father, something she herself felt growing up. "I know what it was like to go through life without a close intimate relationship with my father, I knew the price I paid for that, and there's no way I would want that for my child," she stated.
Avantika and Imran maintain a cordial relationship focused on co-parenting. While she admits they are not quite "friends" yet, their priority is ensuring Imara has access to both parents and spends equal time with each of them. They have consciously shielded Imara from the complexities of their separation, ensuring she feels loved, protected, and not responsible in any way for their decisions.
When they initially told Imara about the separation, her immediate fear was losing both parents. Avantika reassured her, drawing from her own family experiences to help Imara understand that both parents would always be there for her. She also addressed Imara's initial concerns about getting a "new mumma," emphasizing that their family dynamic would remain intact in terms of parental love and support.
Avantika has also expressed respect for Imran as a father, acknowledging his involvement and investment in Imara's life. She believes that his dedication to their daughter has helped her let go of her own anger and resentment, stating that his ability to be a wonderful father is what matters most.
While Avantika remains single, Imran is now in a relationship with actress Lekha Washington. Avantika has shared that it took time for Imara to adjust to the changes in their family structure, including accepting new people in her parents' lives. However, Imara has matured and now understands that her parents may have other partners.
Avantika's approach to co-parenting reflects a deep understanding of the impact divorce can have on children. By prioritizing Imara's emotional needs and ensuring a stable, loving relationship with both parents, she is striving to mitigate any potential negative effects of their separation. Her commitment to not poisoning her daughter against Imran underscores her dedication to Imara's well-being and her belief in the importance of a strong father-daughter bond.