(L-R) Saira Banu and AR Rehman, AR Rehman with his children Khatija, Rahima and Amin. Photo Credit: THG/Instagram/@rahemarahman

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have decided to separate after 29 years of marriage. The announcement was made through a joint statement issued by Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, marking the end of a union that began in 1995. The couple have three children: Khatija, Rahima and Ameen.

In the statement, the couple revealed that their decision was the result of “significant emotional stress” in their relationship. The statement read, “Despite their deep love for each other, the couple have found that stress and difficulties have created a great gulf between them, which neither party feels able to bridge at this time.” “

Rehman later took to

While his words resonated with many, Rahman’s inclusion of the hashtag #ARRSairaabreakup seems to have drawn criticism online, with some calling it insensitive. Social media users questioned the need for a hashtag in such a personal matter, drawing mixed reactions.

The couple’s children have also spoken out, emphasizing their need for privacy. Eldest daughter Khatija Rehman posted on her Instagram Stories urging the public to respect their family’s boundaries during this time.

A screengrab of Khatija Rehman’s Instagram story

The other daughter, Rahima, shared a post on Instagram highlighting how personal the decision was to the family, saying that both Rehman and Saira were able to make the best choice for themselves.

Screenshot of Rahima Rehman’s Instagram story

Their youngest, Ameen, also reiterated the request, thanking well-wishers for their understanding as the family navigates this difficult period.

The union of AR Rahman and Saira Banu was an arranged marriage, arranged by Rahman’s mother. Reflecting on his marriage in a previous interview, Rahman revealed that he trusted his mother to find his life partner as he was busy with work at the time. The couple maintained a low-profile private life, rarely sharing details about their family with the public.

During nearly three decades of marriage, the couple maintained a low public profile. Known for his reservedness, he rarely shared details about his personal life, making the announcement even more surprising to fans and well-wishers. Recently, he was seen at the star-studded wedding ceremony of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant.