AR Rahman, wife Saira announces separation after 29 years of marriage

AR Rahman married Saira in 1995.

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira, after nearly 30 years of marriage, today jointly announced through their lawyer that they have “taken the difficult decision to separate” from each other.

“After many years of marriage, Ms Saira and her husband Mr A R Rahman have taken the difficult decision to separate,” read a statement from Vandana Shah and Associates, their lawyer.

The decision, the lawyer said, “comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship”.

“Despite their deep love for each other, the couple have found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gulf between them, a gulf that neither party feels able to bridge at this time,” it said that in the statement emphasizing that “the decision comes out. of pain and agony”.

“Ms. Saira and her husband, Mr. A R. Rahman, request privacy and understanding from the public at this challenging time as they navigate this difficult chapter in their lives,” the statement further added.

The couple married in 1995 and are the parents of three children: Khatija, Raheema and Ameen.

In his Instagram stories, their son Ameen wrote: “We ask everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”

AR Rahman, who won the Oscar for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, was once dubbed the “Mozart of Madras” by Time Magazine.

The musician, who started playing music at the age of five, got his first break with the 1992 film Roja. It was a hit and Rahman’s soundtrack led to him winning the National Award for Best Music Composer.

“How did you choose an arranged marriage?” Simi Garewal asked the music composer in 2012 on her popular chat show ‘Rendezvous with Simi Garewal’.

“To be honest, I didn’t have time to go and look for a bride,” said a smiling Rahman, eliciting a laugh from the host.

“I did all those films – Rangeela, Bombay and all that. Was so busy with it, but I knew it was the right time for me to get married. I was 29. And I told my mother. I said find me a bride,” Rahman said

“Do you have any specifications?” asked Garewal

“I want a simple wife. The one who won’t give me much trouble. So I could continue making my music,” Rahman replied.

Ms Garewal then reminded Rahman that he had asked his mother to find her a bride with “some education, some beauty and lots of humility”.

Rahman smiled and nodded in agreement.

When asked how they met, Rahman also revealed that his mother found Saira’s sister near a Sufi shrine and one thing led to another and soon they got married.