In Photos: AR Rahman-Saira Banu's Marital Bliss Of 29 Years Which Ended With A Divorce

Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have announced their divorce after almost three decades of marriage. The couple who share three children son A.R. Ameen and two daughters Khatija and Raheema Rahman made the announcement through their legal representatives on Tuesday. The statement revealed that their decision to separate followed years of emotional strain. This announcement has added curiosity about their journey together and the story of their 29-year marriage, that flipped just short of their big 30.

Timeline of A.R. Rahman and Saira Banu's relationship

Saira Banu was born in December 1973 in Kutch, Gujarat , and is seven years younger than Rahman. She hails from a respected, culturally enriched upper-middle-class family. Whereas AR Rahman came from a South Indian musical family.

AR Rahman proposed Saira Banu in 1994

A.R. Rahman and Saira's story began with a traditional marriage arrangement. In 1994, Rahman felt the desire to marry. While visiting a shrine in Chennai, his mother Kareema Beegum and sister Fathima met Saira’s family. Though they didn’t know each other, they started a conversation because Saira lived nearby.

Rahman met Saira for the first time on his 28th birthday, January 6, 1995. He was captivated by her beauty and gentle nature. After a brief chat, they started talking on the phone, and Rahman soon asked Saira to marry him.

AR Rahman and Saira Banu married in 1995

The couple got married on March 12, 1995, in Chennai, in the same building where Rahman would later set up the AM Studios in 2006.

AR Rahman and Saira Banu welcomed their first

Since Rahman and Saira came from different cultural backgrounds, the Kun Faya Kun singer was from a South Indian family, while Saira hailed from a Gujarati one. As a result, it took time for them to adjust to each other’s cultures and families. However, when their eldest daughter Khatija was born in 1995, everything settled into place.

They later had two more children: Ameen and Raheema born in 2003.

AR Rahman frequently speaks about his love for his family and how important they are to him, despite his demanding career. The couple was spotted at many events and launches together as well. 

As they grow old together, their child follows his path of music.

A.R. Rahman's eldest daughter, Khatija Rahman, married Riyasdeen Shaik Mohamed in Chennai in May 2022. The couple got engaged in December 2021.

AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s last photo together as a couple

On Tuesday evening, Rahman posted an official message on his X account, expressing gratitude to everyone who respected his family's privacy. 

The couple was last photographed together at Anant and Radhika's wedding earlier this year. A picture of the former couple from that event is now circulating online.