AR Rahman and Saira Banu announce their separation after 29 years of marriage

AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have officially announced their separation after nearly 30 years of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1995, share three children: daughters Khatija and Raheema, and son Ameen. The news was confirmed through an official statement released by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, on behalf of the couple.

The statement explained that after many years together, Rahman and Saira had come to the difficult decision to part ways due to significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite the deep love they continue to have for each other, the tensions and difficulties they faced over the years created a gap that neither felt they could overcome. The statement emphasized that this decision was made with great pain and heartache, as the couple acknowledged that they had tried but could not reconcile their differences at this time.

Both Rahman and Saira requested privacy and understanding from the public during this difficult period, as they work through this challenging chapter in their lives. Their son, Ameen, also took to social media to express his feelings and asked followers to respect the family’s privacy as they navigate the situation.

The couple’s marriage was arranged by Rahman’s mother, a detail the music legend shared in a previous interview with Simi Garewal. Rahman, then 29, explained that he was focused on his work and did not have the time to look for a bride, so he asked his mother to find one for him. He recalled that his mother initially grew frustrated by the situation, as it meant he wasn’t out socializing or even shopping, but eventually, she arranged the match.

In 2022, their daughter Khatija Rahman got married, a moment that Rahman shared with the public through a family photo from the wedding. The picture included a portrait of his late mother, which was prominently displayed at the ceremony, honoring her presence in the family’s life.