Veteran actors Faryal Gohar and Jamal Shah have spoken publicly about the reasons behind their separation more than 30 years after their divorce, offering clarity on a chapter of their personal lives that long drew public curiosity.

Appearing together on a private television programme, the former couple reflected on their marriage and eventual split in 1992. Once regarded as one of Pakistan’s most admired celebrity pairs, their divorce had prompted speculation among fans for decades.

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Faryal Gohar and Jamal Shah said their separation was a mutual decision shaped by differences in outlook and lifestyle. Shah acknowledged during the interview that he valued personal independence and did not feel suited to married life. Gohar said she did not believe that spouses should view each other as possessions and maintained that personal choices within a relationship should be respected.

The actors noted that although Gohar moved abroad in 1995, they did not sever ties completely and continued to maintain respectful relations. Both emphasised that they remain connected to each other’s families.

Shah also referred to a professional episode that coincided with strain in their marriage. He said he had been working to establish an art institute in Islamabad in collaboration with a woman, despite reservations expressed by Gohar. According to Shah, the project ultimately did not succeed. He added that marital differences had begun emerging several years earlier, around 1987, before the couple formally divorced.

The discussion marked a rare joint appearance by the two actors, who have continued their respective careers in the arts and cultural sectors since their separation. Their comments provided context to a long-standing public question while underscoring that the decision to part ways was taken amicably.