AR Rahman and Wife Saira Announce Separation After 29 Years of Marriage

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira have announced their decision to separate after nearly three decades of marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1995, issued a joint statement through their lawyer, Vandana Shah and Associates, citing "significant emotional strain in their relationship" as the reason behind the separation.

The statement read: “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. AR Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other.” The lawyer further added, “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.”

Acknowledging the emotional toll of their decision, the statement continued, “The decision comes out of pain and agony.” It also urged the public to respect their privacy: “Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. AR Rahman request privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life.”

In a heartfelt message shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rahman expressed his regret that their marriage could not reach the milestone of 30 years. He wrote: “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.”

The couple shares three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. Their son Ameen also shared a message on Instagram Stories, stating, “We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”

AR Rahman, often hailed as the "Mozart of Madras," rose to international fame with his Oscar-winning soundtrack for Slumdog Millionaire. A child prodigy, Rahman began playing music at the age of five and gained nationwide recognition with his work in the 1992 film Roja, which earned him a National Award for Best Music Composer.

In a 2012 interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, Rahman shared insights into his arranged marriage. When asked why he opted for an arranged marriage, Rahman had replied, “To be honest, I didn’t have the time to go and search for a bride. I was doing all those films – Rangeela, Bombay, and all that stuff. Was so busy in that, but I knew that was the right time for me to get married. I was 29. And I told my mother. I said find me a bride.”

The composer also revealed his criteria for a partner, saying, “I want a simple wife. The one who won’t give me much trouble, so I could carry on doing my music.” He added that he had requested his mother to look for someone with “some education, some beauty, and loads of humility.” Rahman shared that Saira was introduced to him through her sister, whom his mother met near a Sufi shrine, and soon after, they were married.

The announcement of their separation has left fans and well-wishers expressing their support for the family during this difficult time.