AR Rahman’s First Reaction To Divorce News: “Even The Throne Of God Might Tremble…”
Music legend AR Rahman finally broke his silence on the separation news came after his wife Saira Banu made an announcement. His social media post has confirmed the news and sought privacy as they walk through the ‘shattering’ and ‘fragile chapter’.
“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,” he wrote on X.
Rahman’s mention of ‘throne of God’ refers to a famous saying (although there are difference of opinions on the the veracity of the Hadith) from Prophet Muhammad, which goes like: “Do not divorce, for divorce causes Allah’s throne to shake.” This Hadith is quoted by many Islamic scholars to discourage divorce.
Saira Banu, wife of the Oscar-winning musician has announced separation from her husband on Tuesday. Rahman and Saira, who are married for the last 29 years, are also parents to three children together; Khatija Rahman, Raheema Rahman and AR Ameen.
“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
Saira released a statement regarding the separation announcement: “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.”
AR Rahman, the globally celebrated music maestro who is famous for his Hollywood and Indian projects, has occasionally opened up about his personal life, including his wedding to Saira Banu and their family life. Despite being a private individual, Rahman has shared glimpses into his journey with his wife and their shared values.
Rahman married Saira Banu in 1995, a match arranged by their families. At the time, Rahman was gaining international recognition, after the success of Roja, Gentleman, Thiruda Thiruda, Kadhalan, Bombay, Rangeela and Muthu, and Saira was a poised and spiritual partner who complemented his grounded nature. Rahman has often credited his mother for orchestrating the union, expressing gratitude for her wisdom and intuition in choosing a life partner who aligned with his values and aspirations.
“I was 29, and I told my mother, ‘Find me a bride.’ Initially, she used to get frustrated. I mean not going out. I mean generally you can’t go out for shopping and… In 1994, when I was about twenty-seven, I decided that it was time to get married. For some reason, I started to feel old,” Rahman had said in several interviews.
“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,” Rahman had said about Saira in the past.
“Saira and I were married in Chennai on 12 March 1995, in the same building where I opened the AM Studios in 2006. I had a fixed smile on my face on my wedding day, and at the end of those three hours, I remember every muscle in my face ached,” Rahman recalled.
