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AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu took social media by surprise with their separation announcement. The couple is parting ways after going strong for as many as 29 years. Amid the unfortunate news, here's taking a look at their love story.
AR Rahman, Saira Banu's first meet
AR Rahman, in an interview, revealed that his marriage with Saira was arranged by his mother. He shared that his mother and his sister saw Saira at the shrine of the Sufi saint Moti Baba in Chennai for the first time. "My mother didn’t know Saira or her family, but as they lived five houses away from the shrine, they walked over and talked to Saira. It was all very easy," he said.
Recalling his first meeting with Saira, the Oscar-winning music composer added, "She was beautiful and gentle. We met for the first time on 6 January 1995, on my twenty-eighth birthday. It was a brief meeting. After that, we mostly chatted on the phone. Saira speaks Kutchi and English and I asked her in English if she wanted to marry me. Saira was very quiet in those days. Now she’s anything but quiet."
Who is Saira Banu? All about her background and family
Saira was born on December 20, 1973, in Kutch, Gujarat. She comes from a culturally rich upper-middle-class family. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in tradition and values, which shaped her outlook on life.
Saira is known for her active involvement in social and charitable activities. She has been a strong supporter of her husband AR Rahman’s philanthropic efforts, often contributing to initiatives that focus on education, healthcare, and community development.
Despite being in the public eye as the wife of one of India’s most celebrated musicians, Saira and AR Rahman kept their personal lives largely private. The couple rarely shared details about their family, choosing instead to focus public attention on their work and achievements.
AR Rahman, Saira Banu's marriage and kids
AR Rahman and Saira tied the knot of love and togetherness in 1995 in an arranged setup. They are parents to three children – Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.
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AR Rahman, Saira Banu's divorce announcement
On Tuesday, November 19, AR Rahman and Saira announced their separation by sharing an official statement. "After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. 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. Mrs Saira emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life," the statement read.