On Tuesday, AR Rahman’s wife, Saira Banu, announced the end of their 29-year marriage. Reacting to the news, the Oscar-winning composer shared his thoughts, expressing that the couple had “hoped to reach the grand thirty,” but their journey together “seems to carry an unseen end.”
In his post, Rahman expressed gratitude to friends and supporters for respecting their privacy. He and Saira Banu are parents to three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. Following the announcement, their son Ameen took to Instagram to request privacy for the family during this period.
“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…
— A.R.Rahman (@arrahman) November 19, 2024
“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but it seems all things 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,” Rahman wrote on X. He added, “To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.” Rahman and Saira were married in 1995.
Before Rahman’s social media post, the couple released an official statement about their separation. “On behalf of and under the instruction of Mrs. Saira and her husband, renowned musician Allah Rakha Rahman (A.R. Rahman), Vandana Shah and Associates issue the following statement regarding the couple’s decision to part ways,” reported Hindustan Times.
The marriage, arranged by Rahman’s mother, was a decision he took at 29, after asking his mother to find him a bride due to his busy career. He reflected in an interview with Simi Garewal, “I was 29 and I told my mother. I said, find me a bride.”
AR Rahman is an internationally celebrated composer and singer, renowned for winning an Oscar for “Jai Ho” from Slumdog Millionaire in 2009. Among his other timeless hits are “Dil Se Re,” “Maa Tujhe Salaam,” “Nahin Saamne Tu,” “Kun Faaya Kun,” “Nadaan Parindey,” “Mitwa,” and “Masakali.” Rahman has also scored music for Hollywood films like 127 Hours and Million Dollar Arm.
Most recently, the legendary composer received the “XTIC Award 2024 for Innovation” from IIT Madras for his virtual reality film, Le Musk.