Slumdog MillionaireComposer A.R. Rahman and Wife Saira Separate After 29 Years of Marriage

Mar. 15, 2025

A.R. Rahman and wife Saira Banu on February 24, 2011 in Hollywood, California.Photo:Donato Sardella/Getty

Donato Sardella/Getty

Film composer A.R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu are separating.TheSlumdog Millionairecomposer and his wife of nearly 30 years announced their divorce on Tuesday, Nov. 19, in a joint statement shared on their lawyer Vandana Shah’sInstagram.“After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A.R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other,” began the statement.“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.“A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu on January 17, 2020 in Mumbai, India.Prodip Guha/Getty"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.“A.R. also shared his thoughts on hisX (formerly known as Twitter)profile.“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end,” he wrote on Nov. 19.“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,” continued the two-time Oscar winner. “To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.💐.”The former couple married in 1995. During their 29 years of marriage, they welcomed three children: son Ameen, 21, and daughters Khatija, 28, and Raheema.A.R. Rahman with wife Saira Banu on February 20, 2020 in Mumbai, India.Prodip Guha/Hindustan Times via GettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time,” Ameen wrote in a Nov. 19 Instagram Story. “Thank you for your understanding.“Raheema wrote in her Instagram Stories: “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy & respect. Thank you for your consideration.”Khatija reposted both of her siblings’ Instagram Stories to her own profile.A.R. won Oscars for best original song and best original score forSlumdog Millionairein 2009. He worked with the film’s director, Danny Boyle, again on127 Hours, which also earned him Oscar nominations for best original song and best original score.

Film composer A.R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu are separating.

TheSlumdog Millionairecomposer and his wife of nearly 30 years announced their divorce on Tuesday, Nov. 19, in a joint statement shared on their lawyer Vandana Shah’sInstagram.

“After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A.R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other,” began the statement.

“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.”

A. R. Rahman and Saira Banu on January 17, 2020 in Mumbai, India.Prodip Guha/Getty

Prodip Guha/Getty

“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.”

A.R. also shared his thoughts on hisX (formerly known as Twitter)profile.

“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end,” he wrote on Nov. 19.

“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,” continued the two-time Oscar winner. “To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.💐.”

The former couple married in 1995. During their 29 years of marriage, they welcomed three children: son Ameen, 21, and daughters Khatija, 28, and Raheema.

A.R. Rahman with wife Saira Banu on February 20, 2020 in Mumbai, India.Prodip Guha/Hindustan Times via Getty

Prodip Guha/Hindustan Times via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

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

Raheema wrote in her Instagram Stories: “I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy & respect. Thank you for your consideration.”

Khatija reposted both of her siblings’ Instagram Stories to her own profile.

A.R. won Oscars for best original song and best original score forSlumdog Millionairein 2009. He worked with the film’s director, Danny Boyle, again on127 Hours, which also earned him Oscar nominations for best original song and best original score.

source: people.com