When Saira Banu Said AR Rahman Was ‘In Another Room’ During Their Honeymoon

AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. The Oscar-winning composer and Banu made the news public with a joint statement, which was released by their lawyer, Vandana Shah, on Tuesday night.

Rahman and Saira Banu's marriage, which took place in 1995, was arranged. Initially, Rahman's mother had considered Saira's younger sister, Meher, as a match. However, upon meeting Saira, she felt she was the right choice for her son. Saira, who was already an admirer of Rahman's music, found a deep connection with him, and their relationship grew from there. Over the years, they developed a strong bond, marked by mutual respect and understanding. Rahman had previously mentioned that they set clear expectations for their marriage from the beginning to ensure they were on the same page. Their separation, however, has shocked many of Rahman's fans.

Not long ago, actor Rahman, who is married to Rahman's relative, shared a lighthearted story that showcased the differences between himself and the composer. He joked about being the more outgoing person, while Rahman is deeply spiritual and dedicated. He recalled a humorous moment from Rahman's honeymoon when, instead of spending time with his wife, Rahman was practicing his veena late into the night in another room.

In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, the actor said, "I remember, when Rahman got married, he took my sister-in-law to a hill station for their honeymoon. I called them around midnight, and she answered, saying she was already asleep. When I asked, 'Where is Rahman?', she replied, 'I don't know.' He was in another room, practicing his veena, composing something. That's the kind of person he is."

AR Rahman and Saira Banu share three children: two daughters, Khatija and Rahima, and a son, Ameen. As the family deals with the separation, Rahman remains focused on his music, continuing to work on projects like Chhaava, Thug Life, Lahore 1947, and Genie.