AR Rahman, wife Saira Banu separate after 29 years of marriage due to ‘significant emotional strain in relationship’

AR Rahman and Saira Banu got married in 1995. They have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen

AR Rahman and wife Saira Banu have announced their separation after almost three decades of marriage. Saira's lawyer Vandana Shah released an official statement regarding the couple's decision to separate.

AR Rahman and Saira Banu got married in 1995

AR Rahman tied the knot with Saira Banu in 1995. They are parents to three children – Khatija, Raheema and Ameen. (Also read: AR Rahman asks his wife Saira Banu not to speak in Hindi, tells her to talk in Tamil at event. Watch)

AR Rahman and Saira Banu separation statement

The official statement read, “On behalf and instruction of Mrs. Saira and her husband renowned musician Allahrakka Rahman (A.R. Rahman), Vandana Shah and Associates issue the following statement regarding the couple's decision to part ways.

After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. 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 and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman emphasize that they have taken this decision out of pain and agony.

Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman request privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life.”

Their son Ameen also posted about it on Instagram and asked followers and fans to ‘respect the family’s privacy’.

More details

Theirs was an arranged marriage which was fixed by his mother. Years ago, during a chat with Simi Garewal, the music maestro had shared that he did not have the time to go and look for a bride because he was busy with work. “I was 29 and I told my mother. I said, ‘find me a bride’,” he said.

“Initially, she used to get frustrated. I mean not going out. I mean generally you can’t go out for shopping and…” he said.

AR Rahman's daughter Khatija Rahman got married in 2022. The music composer had shared a family photo from the wedding ceremony which also had a portrait of his late mother displayed near the seating area of the bride and groom.