A R Rahman and wife Saira Banu separating after 29 years

Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman and wife Saira Banu are separating after 29 years of marriage, their lawyer said on Tuesday.

In a statement to the media on behalf of the couple, divorce lawyer Vandana Shah said Rahman and Saira Banu took the decision to separate after "significant emotional strain in their relationship".

"After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship," the lawyer said.

The statement by Shah said that "despite their deep love for each other, the couple have found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time."

Rahman, 57, and Saira Banu tied the knot in 1995 and are parents to three children -- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen.

In his Instagram Stories, Ameen wrote "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding."

In the statement, Banu and Rahman said the decision to separate comes out of "pain and agony" and requested "privacy and understanding from the public" as they navigate this "difficult chapter" in their life.

Banu was the first to announce the separation in a statement, which was followed by a joint statement.

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Rahman posted his feelings about the separation on the Twitter. "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."