AR Rahman's Wife Saira Banu Announces Separation: "Difficult Decision"
Saira Banu, wife of Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman, 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.
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.
Their marriage is rooted in mutual respect and a shared spiritual foundation. Rahman has spoken about the importance of faith in their relationship, with both partners deriving strength from their Islamic beliefs. This spiritual alignment, he says, has been a cornerstone in navigating life’s highs and lows together.
The couple has three children—Khatija, Rahima, and Ameen. Rahman had described his family life as a sanctuary that keeps him connected to his roots amidst his demanding career.
Saira’s elder sister Meher is married to South Indian actor Rahman.
AR Rahman’s nephew, G.V. Prakash Kumar, is also a composer, while his sisters, Fathima and Ishrath, are involved in music. Born Hindu, Rahman converted to Islam in his 20s, influenced by Sufism. He often credits his mother for her role in his life. At the 81st Academy Awards, he paid tribute to her and expressed his gratitude to God.
