Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. Rahman, who married Saira Banu on March 12, 1995, revealed the news in a heartfelt post on the social media platform X on November 19, 2024. The music composer also thanked friends and fans for their support during this difficult time and requested respect for their privacy. He referred to the separation as a fragile chapter in their lives, encouraging understanding as they navigate through the emotional turmoil.
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In his emotional message, Rahman reflected on the hopes they had for their 30th anniversary, expressing deep sorrow at the unexpected turn in their relationship. Rahman wrote, “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.”
Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, later shared more details about the reasons behind the separation. According to a media post, the decision stemmed from significant emotional challenges within the couple’s relationship. “The tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time,” Shah stated in an official statement. She emphasized that, despite their love for each other, the emotional strain had become too overwhelming for them to reunite.
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Shah also noted that Saira Banu made the decision to part ways with Rahman after much reflection and with great pain and agony. She urged the public to respect the couple’s privacy during this challenging time. The lawyer provided assurance that they had not yet discussed financial matters and anticipated an amicable divorce. There was no official mention of any third-party involvement or external pressures that might have contributed to the split after nearly three decades of marriage, leaving many fans in suspense. However, Shah did mention that celebrity marriages often face unique challenges due to external interference, which can exacerbate existing issues.
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The announcement of AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s divorce came on the same evening that bassist Mohini Dey, who has toured with Rahman for years, shared news of her own separation from her husband, Mark Hartsuch. The timing of both announcements led to speculation about any connection between the two separations. However, Rahman’s legal team swiftly dismissed any such association, confirming that the two divorces were unrelated. Mohini Dey, 29, a prominent bass player from Kolkata, confirmed her divorce in a joint Instagram post with her ex-husband. Known for her performances with Rahman’s troupe and her debut album released in 2023, Mohini has been part of Rahman’s global tours, performing in over 40 shows. Despite the timing, Saira Banu’s legal representative was clear in stating that the decisions of both couples were independent of each other. Celebrity lawyer Vandana Shah, who has worked on various high-profile cases, has previously spoken about the pressures faced by celebrities in relationships. In a recent podcast, she discussed how boredom can contribute to separations in celebrity marriages, particularly within Bollywood and super-wealthy families. According to Shah, outside interference often amplifies difficulties, making it harder for couples to weather personal struggles. As AR Rahman and Saira Banu begin this new chapter in their lives, fans and well-wishers are offering their support, respecting the couple’s wishes for privacy during this
