Musician AR Rahman and his wife, Saira Banu, announced their separation on Tuesday (19 November 2024) after 29 years of marriage. Hours later, Mohini Dey, a bassist who has toured with Rahman for years, also announced her separation from Mark Hartsuch. Many speculated that the two announcements were connected. However, the music composer’s legal representative firmly denied any link.

“There is no connection at all. Saira and Mr. Rahman made this decision independently,” lawyer Vandana Shah told Republic TV. For those unaware, Rahman and Saira attributed their separation to “significant emotional strain” in their relationship.

In her conversation with Republic, Vandana Shah also said there is no discussion of financial matters in Rahman and Saira Banu’s split. “Not as yet. It has not come to this stage yet. It would be an amicable divorce. Both of them are extremely genuine, and this decision was not… pic.twitter.com/zhldlQPGN1
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Rahman’s lawyer also said the couple have not had discussions on financial matters. “Not as yet. It has not come to this stage. It would be an amicable divorce. Both of them are extremely genuine, and this decision was not taken lightly. It is not what you would call a sham marriage,” Vandana Shah said.

Mohini Dey, a renowned bass player from Kolkata and a member of Gaan Bangla’s Wind of Change, announced her split from her musician husband, Mark Hartsuch, via a joint Instagram post. In the statement, Dey expressed gratitude for the support they had received, while also requesting respect for their privacy.

“The big thing we want to wish for is love for everyone out there in the world. We appreciate your support in all of the ways you have given it to us. Please honor the decision we have made by being positive towards us at this time and respecting our privacy. We would appreciate no judgments,” her post read.

Rahman and Saira Banu – parents to Khatija, Raheema and Ameen – confirmed their separation through a joint statement issued by their lawyer, Vandana Shah. Their joint statement detailed the emotional toll of their marriage. “After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman. Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time. Mrs. Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time,” it said.

Rahman also addressed the separation on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “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.”

See Also: AR Rahman Announces Divorce From Wife Saira Banu After 29 Years Of Marriage; ‘Tensions And Difficulties…’