AR Rahman’s estranged wife Saira Banu releases first statement post his hospitalisation in Chennai

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman was released from Apollo Hospital after a brief stay post severe dehydration. His estranged wife, Saira Banu, recently posted an audio message wishing him a swift recovery while his son and sister took cognizance of the situation.

Saira Banu sent out a voice message on Sunday, wishing AR Rahman a speedy recovery and beginning with a hello. She told him about the angiogram he had had and about the ache in his chest. By God’s grace, she said, he was getting better and was doing well.

Saira said that although they were still married, they had been living apart for the previous two years because of her health problems. She also asked that she not be referred to as AR Rahman’s “ex-wife.”

“I want to tell all of you that we are not officially divorced, we are still husband and wife, it’s just that we are separated because I was not feeling well for the last two years and I didn’t want to stress him too much, but please don’t say ‘ex-wife’. It’s just that we are separated but my prayers are always with him,” she said.

After 29 years of marriage, AR Rahman and Saira Banu decided to call it quits. They reported experiencing emotional stress as a result of their differences. Additionally, their children discussed the matter and requested that others who wish them well maintain their privacy.

Reportedly, dehydration, not chest pain, was the reason for hospitalization. Ameen, his son, verified on social media that his father was admitted to the hospital for emergency treatment after feeling ill after returning from London. He had regular check-ups, and when doctors were satisfied that he was recovering, he was discharged.

The music legend is now writing music for Thug Life, Dhanush’s Tere Ishk Mein, Ram Charan’s RC16, and other forthcoming Indian films.