We're not divorced, clarify Saira Banu and asked people to not call her AR Rahman's 'ex-wife'

Saira Banu, the estranged wife of composer AR Rahman, has issued a statement clarifying that they are separated but not divorced. She requested that she not be referred to as his ex-wife.

Saira suggested that their separation was due to her health issues. She also wished Rahman a speedy recovery and urged his family not to cause him additional stress.

In a statement, she said, "Asalam Alaikum, this is Saira Rahman here, I wish him a speedy recovery. I just got the news that he got chest pain and an angio was performed on him. With the blessings of the Almighty, he is doing fine now, and there’s nothing to be worried about."

"I also wanted to tell everyone that we



are not officially divorced, we are still husband and wife. It’s just that we are separated because of my health issues. Since the last two years, I havent been doing well, and I didn’t want to stress him out. But please, I would request the media to not call me ‘ex-wife’ as we are only separated, but all my good wishes are still with him. I also want to tell everyone, especially his family that do not give him any kind of stress and to take care of him. Thank you," read the statement.

Rahman and Saira got married in 1995. However, in November 2024 the music maestro and wife announced their separation. Saira's lawyer Vandana Shah had released an official statement regarding the couple's decision to separate.