In a surprising revelation, celebrated music maestro AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. The couple, who are parents to three children—son AR Ameen and daughters Khatija and Raheema Rahman—shared the news on Tuesday night, leaving fans of the Oscar-winning composer stunned.
Shortly after the announcement, Rahman addressed the separation on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
He 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. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.” While his heartfelt words resonated with many, the inclusion of the hashtag #arrsairaabreakup drew criticism, with netizens suggesting it was unnecessary.
Earlier, Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, released a joint statement from the couple, shedding light on the reasons behind their decision. The statement read:
“After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and Mr. AR Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate. This step follows significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, they have realized that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap that neither feels capable of bridging at this time. They emphasize that this decision comes from a place of pain and agony and request privacy and understanding during this challenging period.”
On the professional front, AR Rahman remains immersed in his work, having released six soundtracks this year across Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, including Ayalaan, Lal Salaam, Aadujeevitham (The Goat Life), Maidaan, Amar Singh Chamkila, and Raayan. His upcoming projects include Chhaava, Thug Life, and the highly anticipated Ramayana Part I & II.
As the composer navigates this personal transition, fans continue to extend their support, hoping he finds peace and strength in this new chapter of his life.