After nearly thirty years of a low-profile marriage, the Oscar winner’s reaction to the divorce has elicited responses from his children and faced criticism for its sensitivity.
Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have chosen to separate after 29 years of marriage. The decision was announced via a joint statement released by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, bringing to a close a partnership that started in 1995. The couple has three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.
In their statement, the couple disclosed that their decision stemmed from “significant emotional strain” in their relationship. “Despite their deep love for each other, they have found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither feels capable of bridging at this time,” the statement noted.
Rahman later shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), writing an emotional note in which he expressed gratitude to well-wishers for respecting their privacy during what he described as a “fragile chapter.”
Although his words resonated with many, Rahman’s use of the hashtag #ARRSairaabreakup drew online criticism, with some deeming it insensitive. Social media users questioned the necessity of a hashtag in such a personal matter, leading to mixed reactions.
The couple’s children have also expressed their views, stressing the importance of privacy. Eldest daughter Khatija Rahman took to her Instagram Stories to urge the public to respect their family’s boundaries during this difficult time.
Second daughter Raheema emphasized the deeply personal nature of the decision for their family by sharing a post on Instagram, noting that both Rahman and Saira are capable of making the best choices for themselves.
Their youngest, Ameen, also reiterated the request for privacy, expressing gratitude to well-wishers for their understanding as the family navigates this challenging time.
AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s marriage was arranged, with Rahman’s mother playing a pivotal role in bringing them together. In a past interview reflecting on their wedding, Rahman shared that he trusted his mother to choose his life partner, as he was deeply focused on work at the time. The couple kept their personal life private, seldom disclosing family details to the public.
For nearly three decades, the couple maintained a low public profile. Known for their reserved nature, they seldom shared details about their personal lives, making this announcement particularly surprising to fans and well-wishers. Most recently, they were seen at the star-studded wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.
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