'Fragile Chapter’: AR Rahman, Saira Banu Announce Separation After 29 Years

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, have announced their separation after almost 30 years of marriage. The couple, married since 1995, shared the emotional news through a joint statement posted by their lawyer, Vandana Shah, on Instagram on November 19.

'Fragile Chapter’: AR Rahman, Saira Banu Announce Separation After 29 Years

Describing their decision as a "fragile chapter," the statement noted, "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."

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A post shared by Vandana Shah (@advocate.vandana)

Rahman expressed the emotional impact of the separation in a tweet, saying, "We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end." He added, "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."

“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

The couple's three children have shown their support for their parents during this difficult time. Raheema shared her father's post on Instagram, asking for prayers and reminding followers to respect their privacy. "It's their personal issue," she reposted in a Tamil message.

Ameen, 21, also took to social media, writing, "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding." Meanwhile, Khatija emphasised the need for privacy, stating, "I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and respect." Thank you for your consideration."

In a separate podcast, Vandana Shah, the couple's lawyer, discussed the challenges faced by high-profile couples, mentioning that emotional disconnection rather than infidelity often leads to the end of celebrity marriages.