Saira Banu, composer AR Rahman's estranged wife, has issued a statement confirming that they are separated but not divorced. She asked that she not be referred to as his ex-wife. Saira claimed that their split was due to her health problems. She also wished Rahman a speedy recovery.
Speaking with PTI, she said, “I wish him (A R Rahman) a speedy recovery. I would like to clarify that we haven't divorced officially, and we are still husband and wife. We have separated because my health hasn't been good for the past two years, and I don't want to give him any stress. Therefore, I urge the media not to call me his ex-wife. Though we have separated, I am always praying for him.”
Rahman and Saira were married in 1995. However, in November 2024, the music maestro and his wife announced their separation. Vandana Shah, Saira's lawyer, issued an official statement announcing the couple's intention to separate.
A.R. Rahman was discharged from a hospital in Chennai on March 16 after being admitted for dehydration and gastric issues. The 58-year-old maestro was reportedly feeling weak due to dehydration, but his condition has since improved. His son, Ameen, took to Instagram to confirm the news, assuring fans that his father is now doing well. Earlier, rumors surfaced claiming that Rahman had been hospitalized due to chest pain, but these reports were quickly refuted by his sister, Reihana, who clarified the situation.