Who is Saira Banu? The Untold Love Story of AR Rahman and His Ex-Wife

AR Rahman , legendary music composer, and Saira Banu announces ir divorce after being in marriage for 29 years. y announced separation through ir social media handles respectively.

Who is Saira Banu? AR Rahman’s Ex-Wife

Saira Banu, known for her quiet yet supportive presence in life of one of India’s most celebrated music composers, AR Rahman, recently garnered attention following ir separation after nearly 29 years of marriage.

Saira was born on December 20, 1973, in Kutch, Gujarat . She comes from a culturally rich upper-middle-class family. Her upbringing was deeply rooted in trition and values, which shaped her outlook on life.

AR Rahman, Saira Banu Marriage

Saira and AR Rahman tied knot in 1995. couple has three children, two daughters, Raheema and Khatija, and a son, Ameen. cople h an arranged marriage which was fixed by AR Rehman's mor. Years ago, during a conversation with one of music director AR Rehman h shared that he did not have time to go and look for a bride because he was busy with work. “I was 29 and I told my mor. I said, ‘find me a bride’,” he said.

Untold Love Story of AR Rahman and His Ex-Wife Saira Banu 

interview, originally part of book A.R. Rahman: Spirit of Music by Nasreen Munni Kabir, h Rahman sharing his memories.

“In 1994, when I was 27, I felt it was time to get married. I suddenly started feeling old. I was always shy and never spoke much to girls. I met many women in my studio while working, but I never thought about marriage. I was too busy working all time,” Rahman said.  

"My mor didn’t know Saira or her family, but as y lived five houses away from shrine, y walked over and talked to Saira. It was all very easy," he said.

Recalling his first meeting with Saira, music composer said, "Things changed when he met Saira for first time on his 28th birthday, January 6, 1995. She was beautiful and gentle. Our first meeting was brief, but after that, we mostly spoke over phone. I remember asking her in English if she wanted to marry me. Back n, she was very quiet, but now, she’s anything but quiet,” he said with a laugh.

Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman request privacy and understanding from public during this challenging time, as y navigate this difficult chapter in ir life.