AR Rahman and Saira Banu have announced their separation after nearly three decades of marriage, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion on social media. This announcement came as a shock to many fans, especially given the couple’s long-standing relationship and their shared life as parents to three children, Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.
AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning composer, once reflected on his marriage to Saira Banu during an interview with CNBC TV18. The couple, who married in 1995 through an arranged match facilitated by Rahman’s mother, faced several challenges in their early years together.
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Rahman shared that their wedding coincided with a peak in his career, particularly in Bombay, which added complexities to their personal life. AR explained that the rapid rise in fame and the associated public attention made it difficult for them to lead a simple, private life. He said, “I got married at the peak of, you know, there and so that was actually a negative factor because we couldn’t lead a simple life. We couldn’t go out and we couldn’t, everything was private, you know, you can’t sit anywhere because people will come, you can’t go to a cafe and so I think she got used to that.” Despite these challenges, Rahman mentioned that his wife eventually adapted to their new lifestyle.
He further added, “She’s been a pillar of support for me and we are, you know, a mother and father of three children. So that is very spiritual and having children is a very spiritual thing for me.”
On November 19, Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, issued a statement announcing their separation. The statement highlighted the emotional strain in their relationship, “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life,” the statement read.
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AR Rahman also took to social media to share his feelings about their separation. He wrote an emotional note on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”
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