Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation after nearly three decades of marriage.
The couple, who have been married since 1995, shared the heart-breaking news via a joint statement posted by their lawyer, Vandana Shah, on Instagram late Tuesday night. Describing the decision to part ways as a “fragile chapter” in their lives, the statement read, “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time.”
Rahman later took to his handle to elaborate on the emotional toll the decision to separate has had on them. In a tweet, he wrote, “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end.” Reflecting on the pain of parting, he added, “Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again.”The announcement has drawn support from the couple’s three children. Raheema shared her father’s post on Instagram, asking followers to “keep us in your prayers.” She also reposted a Tamil message urging people to respect their privacy, reminding everyone that “it’s their personal issue.”

Ameen and Khatija, also took to their handles to echo similar sentiments. Ameen, 21, wrote in his stories, “We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding.”
Khatija, on the other hand, asked for the matter to be treated with ‘utmost privacy and respect’. Her post read, “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy and Respect. Thank you for your consideration.”

In a separate podcast, lawyer Vandana Shah shed light on challenges faced by celebrity couples, noting that emotional disconnect rather than infidelity is often the cause of breakdowns in such marriages.