Saira rahman biography of donald

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AR Rahman and Saira Banu were married for 29 years. They announced their separation on Tuesday night.

Music maestro AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu are separating. The couple issued a joint statement late Tuesday night, revealing sharing the heartbreaking news of their separation. The couple had been married for 29 years. But who is Saira Banu and how did Rahman’s love story begin? Here’s all you need to know:

Who Is Saira Banu:

As per reports, Saira was born in Kutch, Gujarat, in December 1973. She is almost seven years younger than AR Rahman. She is said to come from a culturally rich upper-middle-class family. She is known for her social and charitable activities. She often contributes to charities that work towards education, healthcare, and community development.

How Did AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s Love Story Begin?

Rahman and Saira met in an arranged marriage setup. Rahman once revealed that his mother noticed Saira at a shrine in Chennai and approached her family for her hand. “My mother didn’t know Saira or her family, but since they lived just five houses away from the shrine, they walked over and spoke to her. Everything happened very naturally," Rahman said in an interview.

AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s First Meeting:

In an old interview, Rahman revealed he met her on his 28th birthday and found her ‘beautiful.’ “She was beautiful and gentle. We met for the first time on 6 January 1995, on my 28th birthday. It was a brief meeting. After that, we mostly chatted on the phone. Saira speaks Kutchi and English and I asked her in English if she wanted to marry me. Saira was very quiet in those days. Now she’s anything but quiet," he said.

Problems In AR Rahman and Saira’s Marriage?

Rahman once admitted that his marriage was off to a rocky start. In Nasreen Munni Kabir’s book, A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music, Rahman said, “We are South Indians and Saira comes from a Gujarati background and was brought up in the traditions and culture of North India. You know it’s always difficult for any family to adjust to anyone new coming into the fold. Like all mothers, my mother was possessive about me and as we all lived together as a joint family, a period of adjustment was necessary. In 1995, my eldest daughter Khatija was born and everything was fine after that."

AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s Children:

The couple has three children — daughters Khatija and Raheema, and son Ameen.

Why Are AR Rahman and Saira Banu Separating?

In a joint statement via their lawyers, Rahman and Saira said they have been unable to bridge the gap created in their relationship due to tension and difficulties.

“This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. AR Rahman emphasise that they have taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. AR Rahman request privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life," the statement read.

First Published:

November 20, 2024, 10:31 IST

Newsmovies Who Is Saira Banu? All About AR Rahman's Wife, Her Family, Their Love Story That Ended In Separation

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