AR Rahman and Saira Banu Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Music legend AR Rahman’s ex-wife Saira Banu has recently broken her silence on their separation after 29 years of marriage. In a statement, he addressed the wave of rumors and defamatory content circulating online and urged people to avoid tarnishing Rahman’s reputation.

Speaking from Mumbai, where she is undergoing treatment, Saira insisted that her decision to leave Chennai was health-related and not a reflection of the discord with Rehman. “I have been physically unwell for the last few months. That’s why I wanted to take a break from AR,” she explained, adding that her transfer was to avoid disrupting Rehman’s busy schedule or his family’s routine.

Saira rejected allegations of infidelity or misconduct, describing Rehman as a “gem of a human being” and “the best man in the world”. “I trust him with my life. I love him so much,” she said, urging the public and media to respect her privacy and avoid spreading baseless allegations.

The couple announced their separation earlier this week, citing “significant emotional stress” as the reason for their decision. However, this has since been followed by sensational reports and speculative content online. In response, Rehman’s legal team has issued a stern warning to those spreading defamatory stories, threatening legal action and defamation suits against individuals and platforms spreading falsehoods.

In a letter shared online, Rahman condemned the “fertile fictional stories” and urged people to respect their privacy. Their lawyer stressed that the divorce was shared publicly to avoid misinformation, but also noted the rise of baseless claims and unsolicited opinions.

Meanwhile, Saira requested for patience and understanding and assured that she will return to Chennai after completing her treatment. “I humbly request you to stop all false allegations against him. God bless, and my sincere prayer is that we are left alone and given space at this time.”