AR Rahman and his wife of 29 years, Saira Banu, announced their separation on Tuesday through a statement from Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah. In a recent interview, Vandana addressed questions about the couple’s divorce, including whether it was related to the divorce of Rahman’s bassist, Mohini Dey, which was announced shortly after. Vandana firmly denied any connection between the two events, stating, “There is no link between the two. Saira and Mr. Rahman have made this decision on their own.”
Regarding the divorce settlement, Vandana confirmed that the couple had not yet reached an agreement on financial terms but reassured that the split would be amicable. She also commented on the emotional toll of their decision, explaining that divorce is never an easy choice. “It is a painful decision. No one is happy when a marriage ends,” she said, acknowledging that Saira had gone through her fair share of challenges during their marriage.
Vandana chose not to reveal the specific reasons behind their separation, but she emphasized that both Rahman and Saira had been committed to each other during their time together. “He has been a protective husband. She has been a good wife. I know the real reason, but I’m not at liberty to discuss it,” she added. She also pointed out that both of them are focused on building better lives, regardless of their future together.
When asked about their appearance at the Ambani wedding in July, where Rahman and Saira were seen together on the red carpet, Vandana clarified that the couple’s public appearances were genuine. “Both of them are extremely genuine people. It was not a marriage sham,” she said.
On the subject of Rahman’s use of the hashtag “#arsairabreakup” in his divorce announcement, Vandana declined to comment, simply saying, “No comments.” She reiterated that both Rahman and Saira were dignified individuals who handled their separation with respect and privacy.
In their joint statement, Rahman and Saira emphasized the emotional strain in their relationship, stating that despite their deep love for one another, they had reached a point where the difficulties in their marriage had become insurmountable. The statement concluded with a request for privacy and understanding as they navigate this challenging period in their lives.
