Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation on Tuesday, ending nearly three decades of marriage. The composer shared the news on his Twitter (now X) account on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Saira’s legal team has also released a statement.
A.R. Rahman & Saira Banu part ways
On Wednesday, in a statement released through Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, the couple shared that the decision to split came after years of “significant emotional strain” in their relationship, acknowledging that despite their love, “tensions and difficulties” created a gap.
In this announcement, Saira, wife of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman, revealed that she has made the “difficult decision” to separate from her husband after nearly 30 years of marriage.
Saira’s legal team released a statement that stated, “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has recognized an insurmountable gap caused by ongoing tension and difficulties in their relationship. Both parties feel that, at this point, the gap cannot be bridged.”
Saira also expressed that the decision came after much pain and reflection.
A.R. Rahman & Saira Banu’s first meeting
In an interview, Rahman once revealed that his marriage with Saira was arranged by his mother. He shared that his mother and his sister saw Saira at the shrine of the Sufi saint Moti Baba in Chennai for the first time.
“My mother didn’t know Saira or her family, but as they lived five houses away from the shrine, they walked over and talked to Saira. It was all very easy,” he said.
Recalling his first meeting with Saira, the Oscar-winning music composer added, “She was beautiful and gentle. We met for the first time on 6 January 1995, on my twenty-eighth birthday. It was a brief meeting. After that, we mostly chatted on the phone. Saira speaks Kutchi and English and I asked her in English if she wanted to marry me. Saira was very quiet in those days. Now she’s anything but quiet.”
A companionship of decades
Rahman and Saira have three children from their marriage – Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. Their marriage was regarded as a strong partnership in the entertainment industry. Rahman, often referred to as the “Mozart of Madras,” is a globally renowned music composer who has won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards for the film Slumdog Millionaire.
Their careers
Rahman is no less than the god of music for all of us! He began his musical journey at the age of five, and his big break came with the 1992 film Roja, which was a commercial and critical success.
The best part? The film’s music earned him a National Award for Best Music Direction!
On the other hand, Saira is known for her active involvement in social and charitable activities. She has been a strong supporter of her husband AR Rahman’s philanthropic efforts, often contributing to initiatives that focus on education, healthcare, and community development.
The couple requests privacy
We know how the internet works, right? We are well aware of all the negative criticism, trolls, and comments that celebs go through. Amidst all this, Saira has requested to shield their children and family from the internet during this difficult time.
She requested that people respect their decision and avoid speculating on the matter. Well, both Rahman and Saira have yet to issue any additional personal statements regarding their plans.
Other celeb couples who parted ways
A.R. Rahman and Sara’s separation has shocked everyone. Here are a few other couples who made headlines and stunned their fans by ending a decade-long relationship with their partners.
• Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan – Hrithik and Sussanne were one of the cutest couples in Bollywood, but they announced their separation after 17 years of togetherness.
• Farhan Akhtar and Adhuna Bhabani – Farhan and Adhuna met on the sets of Dil Chahta Hai and dated for 3 years before tying the knot. However, after 16 years of marriage, the couple decided to call it quits.
• Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta – Aamir stunned everyone when he divorced Reena after 16 years of marriage.
• Kamal Haasan and Sarika – Kamal and Sarika parted ways after 17 years of being tied in the conjugal bond. This news stunned everyone too!
• Arbaaz Khan and Malaika Arora Khan – Arbaaz and Malaika were the ‘golden couple’ of the tinsel town, but after 18 years of marriage, things didn’t go well, and they decided to part ways.
• Manish Makhija and Pooja Bhatt – This strong-headed couple enjoyed marital bliss for 11 years but their relationship hit rock bottom later and they decided to part ways.
• Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh – Saif and Amrita are blessed with two children, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan. After 13 years of marriage, Saif and Amrita decided to part their ways in 2004.
Social and lead image credits: Viral Bhayani
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