AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s private lives have come under intense scrutiny since the couple’s shock announcement of their divorce. The news sent waves through the music legend’s fanbase, with old stories resurfacing online, sparking conversations.
AR Rahman’s Work Ethic: A Honeymoon Anecdote
One such story was shared by AR Rahman’s brother-in-law, Rahman (actor of 1000 Babies), during an interview with Siddharth Kannan. He recounted an unusual moment from Rahman’s honeymoon, illustrating the music legend’s commitment to his work. Rahman recalled, “I remember, when he got married, he took my sister-in-law for the honeymoon to a hill station. I called them that night; it was just 12 or 1… She answered, she was sleeping already. I asked, ‘Where is Rahman?’ She said, ‘I don’t know.’ He was in another room, practicing his veena. He was composing something; he’s that kind of person.”
This anecdote not only reveals Rahman’s passion for music but also paints a picture of his introspective nature. Rahman, as shared by his brother-in-law, was not one to indulge in gossip or small talk, focusing instead on his work.
The Divorce Announcement: A Difficult Decision
On Tuesday night, a statement was issued by Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vandana Shah and Associates, confirming the couple’s separation after 29 years of marriage. The statement read:
“After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. 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.”
The statement ended with a request for privacy:
“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.”
AR Rahman’s Emotional Confirmation
To confirm the news, AR Rahman posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his feelings about the separation. His message read:
“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.”
However, Rahman’s heartfelt message did not receive universal praise. Many online comments criticized the use of hashtags and expressed negative reactions in response to his post.
A Love Story That Began at a Shrine
Despite the recent developments, AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s love story had a humble, natural beginning. Rahman shared in an interview that his mother and sister first met Saira at the shrine of Sufi saint Moti Baba in Chennai. He recalled:
“My mother didn’t know Saira or her family, but since they lived just five houses away from the shrine, they walked over and spoke to her. Everything happened very naturally.”
This chance meeting led to their marriage on March 12, 1995, and the couple shared three children: daughters Khatija and Raheema, and son Ameen.
The Family Life of AR Rahman and Saira Banu
Throughout their marriage, AR Rahman and Saira Banu kept their family life relatively private. Despite being one of the most celebrated musicians in the world, Rahman and his wife chose to remain out of the limelight, with their children growing up away from the public eye. The couple’s commitment to their family was clear, though the recent separation marks a significant change in their journey together.
