New Delhi:
AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation on Tuesday after 29 years of marriage. In a surprising twist, bassist Mohini Dey, a long-time collaborator of Rahman, also revealed her split from her husband, Mark Hartsuch, on the same day. Speculation quickly spread linking the two separations, but AR Rahman’s son, AR Ameen, took to Instagram to dismiss the rumors. He wrote, “My father is a legend, not just for his incredible contributions, but for the values, respect, and love he has earned over the years. It’s disheartening to see false and baseless rumors being spread. Let’s honor the truth and respect when speaking about someone’s life and legacy. Please refrain from engaging in or spreading misinformation. Let’s preserve his dignity and the impact he has had on all of us.”
AR Rahman’s legal representative also issued a statement denying any connection between the two separations. “There is no connection at all. Saira and Mr. Rahman made this decision independently,” said lawyer Vandana Shah.
Mohini Dey, a celebrated bass player from Kolkata, made her announcement via a joint Instagram post with Hartsuch, where she expressed gratitude for their supporters and asked for privacy. “We appreciate your support in all the ways you have given it to us. Please honour our decision and respect our privacy during this time,” she wrote, requesting that no judgments be made.
The joint statement from AR Rahman and Saira Banu shared the emotional weight of their decision. “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman. Despite their deep love for each other, they have found that tensions and difficulties have created a gap they are unable to bridge at this time. Mrs. Saira requests privacy and understanding during this challenging period.”
AR Rahman also addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on the emotional impact of the separation. “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.
