Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their divorce on Tuesday through their legal representatives. The couple, who had been married for 29 years, have three children: son AR Ameen and daughters Khatija Rahman and Raheema Rahman. Following the news of their separation, Rahman expressed the emotional toll of the situation, describing it as “shattering” and acknowledging the “weight of broken hearts.” He shared a poignant post on X (formerly Twitter), concluding by thanking friends for their respect of their privacy during this time.
In his post, Rahman reflected on their journey, saying, “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.”
Later that evening, Vandana Shah and Associates released a statement on behalf of the couple, explaining, “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other.” The statement further noted that this choice “comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship.” Despite their enduring love for one another, it was acknowledged that the challenges they faced created an insurmountable distance that neither felt capable of overcoming at this time. They requested privacy and understanding from the public as they navigate this difficult chapter in their lives.
