On Tuesday evening, AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, revealed their decision to part ways after 29 years of marriage. Coincidentally, the same day, Mohini Dey, a long-time bassist who has collaborated with Rahman for years, also announced the dissolution of her marriage. Following media speculation about a connection between the two events, Rahman and Saira's legal team firmly denied any association.

Speaking to Republic TV, lawyer Vandana Shah clarified, "There is absolutely no link between the two events. Saira and Mr Rahman arrived at this decision independently." 

On Tuesday evening, AR Rahman and Saira Banu publicly announced their separation, citing "profound emotional challenges" in their marriage as the reason.

Mohini Dey, a 29-year-old bassist from Kolkata and a prominent member of Gaan Bangla's "Wind of Change," has collaborated with AR Rahman on over 40 international performances. 

On Tuesday, she and her musician husband, Mark Hartsuch, announced their separation through a joint post on Instagram. 

In their statement, the couple wrote, "Above all, we wish love to everyone in the world. Your support has meant so much to us, and we kindly ask for positivity and respect during this time. Please refrain from making judgments and honour our privacy." 

While the timing of this announcement coincided with Rahman and Saira Banu's separation news, their legal representative has firmly dismissed any connection between the two events.

In an interview with Republic TV, Vandana Shah addressed the financial aspects of AR Rahman and Saira Banu's separation, stating that no such discussions have taken place yet. "Not at this stage," she remarked, adding, "The divorce is expected to be amicable. Both Rahman and Saira are sincere individuals, and this decision was made after much thought. This was by no means a superficial marriage."

AR Rahman and Saira's separation

AR Rahman and Saira Banu, who tied the knot in 1995, share three children. Early on Tuesday, Rahman shared a heartfelt message on Twitter, reflecting on the end of their nearly three-decade-long marriage. 

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AR Rahman and wife Saira Banu separating after 29 years

He wrote, "We dreamed of reaching 30 years together, but life often carries its own unseen conclusions. Even the divine may feel the weight of broken hearts. In this fragmentation, we search for purpose, though the pieces may never align again. To our friends, thank you for your compassion and for honouring our privacy as we navigate this delicate moment."