AR Rahman and Saira Banu were married in 1995 and have three children, a son AR Ameen and daughters Khatija Rahman and Raheema Rahman.

Saira’s lawyer Vandana Shah said that after many years of marriage, Mrs Banu took difficult decision to separate from her husband AR Rahman.

Their joint statement said that the reason of their separation after ending nearily three decades of marriage is ‘significant emotional strain.’

The couple’s joint statement said that despite their deep love for one another, the couple admitted that the simmering tensions in their relationship had created an “insurmountable gap” that could not bridge at this time.

Banu also issued a separate statement before releasing a joint statement. Both requested for privacy during this time of sorrow.

Their children have also requested for respect and discretion as the family is going through this difficult time. On her Instagram, Khatija Rahman wrote, “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and respect. Thank you for your consideration.”

Her brother, AR Ameen, expressed similar sentiments, adding that please respect our privacy during this time.

The musician AR Rahman took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing a very emotional note about the separation. “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end,” he stated.