THROWBACK: Here's how AR Rahman asked Saira Banu to marry him

Music legend AR Rahman and Saira Banu have announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. The singer broke his silence and penned a heartfelt post about the news on his social media account. Their divorce news was confirmed after Saira's lawyer Vandana Shah released an official statement regarding their decision to separate. Amid this, here's a throwback to the time when Rahman shared how he married Saira. 

When AR Rahman talked about his wedding with Saira Banu

During an earlier appearance on Simi Garewal's chat show, AR Rahman shared how he wanted a simple woman and also revealed how he married Saira Banu. 

On why he opted for an arranged marriage, Rahman said that he did not have the time to go and search for a bride. At that time, he was doing films such as Rangeela, Bombay, and others but added that he knew it was the right time to get married. "I was 29. And I told my mother. I said: 'find me a bride.," Rahman added. 

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Sharing his arranged marriage specifications, the music maestro then revealed, "I want a simple woman. Which won’t cause me much trouble. So I can continue with my music." 

When Garewal reminded Rahman that he had already asked his mother to find him a bride with "some education, some beauty, and a whole lot of humility," Rahman agreed.

On how he asked Saira Banu to marry him, the music composer shared, "It was funny. Until then, I never had the intention of seeing a girl with that kind of look. So I asked her, 'Will you be interested in marrying me? Do you have anything else in mind?' and she accepted."

AR Raman on his divorce with Saira Banu

Taking to his X account, AR Rahman opened up about his separation from Saira. He penned, “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." He has used '#arrsairaabreakup' hashtag along with the post. 

Meanwhile, Saira and Rahman got married in 1995. They are parents to three children- Khatija, Raheema and Ameen.

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