/> One of Bollywood's most enduring relationships has ended. Actress Nandana Sen and her producer-boyfriend Madhu Mantena have ended their relationship of 9 years.

This, coming in the wake of his ardent marriage proposal in Paris last year, is a rude shock to the couple's mutual friends who are still hoping to see some miracle happen whereby the couple would be back together.

The couple however maintains that the breakup is final.

The reason for the breakup is Madhu's insistence on marriage. Rather than accept his proposal Nandana has now gone the way. She has bought herself a home in New York where she now intends to re-locate.

A long-distance relationship seems impractical and unlikely. Nandana and Madhu have therefore decided to part ways.

Nandana doesn't deny the split.

The discernibly distressed actress admits the long-standing relationship as ended.

"Madhu and I had been planning to move to New York together, but given the pace and zest with which his work in Bombay is growing it doesn't make sense for him to move away.

We love each other deeply, we always have, and we always will. But neither of us believes in the long-term feasibility of an inter-continental relationship. "



Nandana says the decision has been excruciatingly difficult. "It's the hardest and most painful decision that either of us has ever taken, but there has never been even a shred of negativity between us about it.

We understand and support each other absolutely, and each of us insists on protecting the other's interests, like we always do. That's why our relationship has worked so well for years. The bond that Madhu and I share is unlike any other we ever encountered in our lives.

So, even in making this joint but heartbreaking decision, as in everything we have gone through together, we have been taking care of each other every step of the way. And I know we always will. "

She is absolutely sure that the termination of the relationship doesn't mean the death of their friendship. Nandana and Madhu will are in fact collaborating on a film.

"We've always been a great team, and deciding to make this particular film together was a professional, not a personal decision. We are just as excited and committed to it now as we were when we started developing the project.

And we are glad it gives us the opportunity to spend extra time with each other, be in close touch even when apart, and create something together that we are both so passionate about. "



Though New York will be her new home base Nandana will keep shuttling between India and New York.

"I have many professional commitments here, and will continue to do so. I will be back to shoot and complete the 3 Indian films I'm committed to, and to promote my 2 other forthcoming releases in addition to The Forest.

And I'm sure I'll keep coming back for new films I choose to work in. On the work front, absolutely nothing will change because of the shift. "

Says Madhu Mantena, "Nandana is and will always remain my dearest friend. Yes, we're no longer a couple. But she knows that I'm always a phone-call away. If she needs me in New York I'll fly down immediately. "