Vandana Shah, the lawyer for AR Rahman and Saira Banu, has called for the public to respect the couple’s privacy as they go through their divorce. In a recent interview, Shah explained that their decision to separate was mutual, though difficult.
“The divorce is not final yet. I represent both of them, and while I cannot disclose the reasons, this is a marriage of 29 years. Like in any marriage, there are ups and downs. It is a painful but mutual decision. We ask for respect for the family’s privacy at this time,” Vandana said in an interview with ANI.
Earlier, the lawyer also emphasized that AR Rahman’s divorce is unrelated to the separation of his bassist, Mohini Dey, from her husband, Mark Hartsuch. “There is no connection between the two situations. Saira and Mr. Rahman made this decision independently,” Vandana clarified, according to ETimes.
AR Rahman and Saira Banu married in 1995 and have three children: two daughters, Khatija and Rahima, and a son, Ameen Rahman. The couple publicly confirmed their separation in a joint statement released on Tuesday night.
The statement read: “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 the challenges in their relationship have created an irreparable divide. Mrs. Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this difficult period.”
AR Rahman later addressed the separation on X (formerly Twitter), sharing an emotional and poetic message: “We had hoped to reach thirty years together, but all things, it seems, have an unseen end. Even the throne of God may tremble under the weight of broken hearts. In this pain, we seek meaning, though the pieces may never fit again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and respecting our privacy as we navigate this fragile moment.”