Actress Preity Zinta and filmmaker Karan Johar have urged the media to respect the privacy of their friends, Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne, who announced their split on Friday.

Hrithik released an official statement on Sussanne's decision to part ways with him after a relationship of 17 years - the duo dated four years before tying the knot Dec 20, 2000. Together, the couple has two sons - Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

At the red carpet of a film award event, Preity was asked to comment on the news. She said, "I have one thing to say to the media with lots of humbleness... these are very personal moments for people, and please don't slander either him (Hrithik Roshan) or her (Sussanne). It is a very personal matter."

She added, "I think you have to give them that space. It is very sad when everybody has their own personal comments."

Karan, who shares a friendly bond with Hrithik and has worked with him in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Agneepath, also refrained from commenting. "It is too personal to them and, therefore, personal to us. So, I feel very uncomfortable talking about, especially anything too personal to close friends on a national platform," he added.

However, actor Anil Kapoor is hopeful about the couple's re-union in future. "Hrithik is a family friend. He is like a younger brother to me, even Sussanne. I am very fond of both of them. But I think these are the things that really happen in a relationship," he said.

Anil, who shares a friendly bond with the couple, said. "I am very optimistic and hope they get back together," he added.