Renowned music maestro AR Rahman recently shared insights about his wedding day with Saira Banu and their journey as a couple, which has now taken a poignant turn. The pair, who were married in an arranged ceremony in March 1995, have announced their decision to part ways after 29 years of marriage, prioritizing their individual happiness.
Rahman Reveals He “Fake Smiled” Throughout His Wedding
In A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music, Rahman recounted his wedding day, held on March 12, 1995, in Chennai, at what would later become his AM Studios. Reflecting on the day, he humorously admitted that his constant smiling left his face aching by the end of the ceremony. He said:
“Saira and I were married in Chennai on 12 March 1995, in the same building where I opened the AM Studios in 2006. I had a fixed smile on my face on my wedding day, and at the end of those three hours, I remember every muscle in my face ached.”
First Meeting with Saira Banu
Rahman revealed that his first encounter with Saira on his 28th birthday left a lasting impression. Captivated by her beauty and gentleness, he proposed to her during their initial conversations. Initially reserved, Saira’s personality evolved over the years. Rahman fondly shared:
“She was beautiful and gentle. We met for the first time on 6 January 1995, on my twenty-eighth 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.”
Deciding It Was Time to Marry
At the age of 27, Rahman decided it was time to settle down and turned to his mother for help in finding a partner. Despite working with many talented female singers, he never envisioned them as life partners. He explained:
“In 1994, when I was about twenty-seven, I decided that it was time to get married. For some reason, I started to feel old. [smiles] I was always very shy and never talked much to girls. I met many young women singers in my studio when we used to work together. I had great respect for them. But I never looked at a girl thinking that she could be my wife one day. I didn’t have the time to think about girls. I was working round the clock.”
Announcing Their Separation
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Rahman expressed his sadness about their separation, emphasizing the deep emotions tied to their decision. He shared:
“We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter.”
Their separation, though painful, reflects a mutual understanding of the importance of personal well-being. Let us know your thoughts on AR Rahman’s candid revelations.
