Oscar Winner AR Rahman and Wife Saira Banu Divorcing After 30 Years

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Film composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu are calling it quits.

The two-time Oscar winner—known for his music in the 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire—and his wife of nearly three decades announced their divorce on Nov. 19, describing their breakup as a “fragile chapter” and citing an emotional toll as the reason for their relationship’s end.

"After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A.R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other,” the couple wrote in a joint statement shared on their lawyer Vandana Shah’s Instagram. “This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. 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." 

"Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman request privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time,” the statement continued, “as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life."

For his part, AR shared further thoughts on social media, noting the couple—who married in 1995 and share son Ameen and daughters Khatija and Raheema—were just shy of marking 30 years of marriage. 

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end,” the music composer wrote in a Nov. 19 post to X (formerly Twitter). “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.”

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Calling for space, he continued, “To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”

The couple’s children all acknowledged their parents’ divorce on social media as well, sharing they want space to process the news.  

“We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time,” Ameen, 21, wrote in a Nov. 19 Instagram Story. “Thank you for your understanding."

Khatija and Raheema shared the same statement, writing in separate Nov. 19 Instagram Stories, “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy & respect. Thank you for your consideration.”

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