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

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

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

Saira Banu, known for her quiet yet supportive presence in the life of one of India’s most celebrated music composers, AR Rahman, recently garnered attention following their 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 tradition and values, which shaped her outlook on life.

AR Rahman, Saira Banu Marriage

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

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

The interview, originally part of the book A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music by Nasreen Munni Kabir, had 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 the time,” Rahman said.  

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

Recalling his first meeting with Saira, the music composer said, "Things changed when he met Saira for the 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 the phone. I remember asking her in English if she wanted to marry me. Back then, 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 the public during this challenging time, as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life.