Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu announced their separation on November 19, ending their 29-year-long marriage. The couple, together for nearly three decades, released a statement confirming the decision. Rahman shared an emotional message on his official X account, writing:
“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.”
When AR Rahman talked about wife Saira Banu
Following the announcement, a throwback interview of AR Rahman on ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’ resurfaced, where he spoke about his marriage to Saira. Rahman shared that theirs was an arranged marriage, as he was focused on his career and didn’t have time to search for a partner.
“I was doing Rangeela in Bombay at the time. But I knew that was the right time for me to get married. I was 29. I told my mother, ‘find a bride,’” Rahman said.
Rahman revealed that his mother and sister Fathima first met Saira at the shrine of the Sufi saint Moti Baba in Chennai, where they struck up a conversation. Reflecting on their first meeting, Rahman humorously shared, “It was funny. Until that, I never had the intention of seeing a girl with that kind of look.”
Rahman on Saira’s personality
When discussing Saira’s personality, Rahman described her as having contrasting traits. “She is calm, and she’s calm, and she gets angry, she’s angry. There are two sides of her. Initially, she used to get frustrated… I mean, not going out. You can’t go out for shopping or, you know,” he recalled.
Rahman also mentioned that he had prepared her for the unique lifestyle she would have with him, saying, “I did tell her in the beginning what kind of life she’s going to lead. It was an agreement before.”
Despite their separation, Rahman continues to focus on his career, with upcoming projects like Chhaava, Thug Life, Lahore 1947, and Genie in the pipeline. The couple shares three children: daughters Raheema and Khatija, and son Ameen.
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