Saira Banu, wife of acclaimed composer AR Rahman, has announced her separation from him after nearly three decades of marriage. The decision, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday night, cited enduring emotional challenges as the primary reason. While Saira expressed appreciation for the love and memories they shared, she acknowledged that separation was the best way forward for both.
The announcement has brought renewed attention to AR Rahman’s past reflections on his relationship with Saira.
In an old interview from A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music by Nasreen Munni Kabir, Rahman shared how their union began, facilitated by his family.
The First Meeting: Rahman first met Saira at a Sufi shrine in Chennai in 1995, when he was 28. Encouraged by his mother and sister to marry, Rahman admitted feeling “old” at the time and shy around women despite working with many female singers in his studio.
After their brief initial meeting on Rahman’s birthday, January 6, 1995, the two got to know each other better over phone conversations. Rahman proposed to Saira in English, as she primarily spoke Kutchi and English. Describing her, Rahman said, “She was beautiful and gentle. Saira was very quiet in those days. Now, she’s anything but quiet.”
Rahman and Saira tied the knot on March 12, 1995, in Chennai. The ceremony took place in a building that later became the site of Rahman’s AM Studios. Reflecting on his wedding day, Rahman described the experience as physically exhausting, saying, “I had a fixed smile on my face… by the end of those three hours, every muscle in my face ached.”
Their marriage of 29 years endured numerous ups and downs. While Rahman’s career flourished globally, earning him accolades and recognition, personal challenges appear to have strained their bond over time. Their separation marks the end of a significant chapter in their lives, but both parties expressed mutual respect and hope for the future.
