The world of music held its breath as renowned singer and composer AR Rahman’s health took a sudden turn for the worse on Sunday, sending his fans into a frenzy of concern and prayer. Rushed to Apollo Hospital in Chennai, the maestro’s condition has now stabilized, with reports indicating he had been experiencing chest discomfort and pain. As the news of his hospitalization spread, his wife, Saira Banu, stepped forward with a heartfelt reaction, accompanied by a gentle yet firm appeal to the public: please refrain from referring to her as his “ex-wife.”
It’s worth noting that in November 2024, AR Rahman and Saira Banu announced their decision to part ways, sparking a flurry of speculation about their impending divorce. At the time, Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, released an official statement confirming the couple’s separation and respectfully requested privacy. Now, as AR Rahman recovers from his health scare, Saira has chosen to address the public once more, this time to clarify her relationship status and express her well-wishes for her husband’s speedy recovery.
Saira Banu’s Voice Note
According to a voice note shared with ‘ETimes’, Saira Banu expressed her concern and goodwill for AR Rahman’s health, saying, “I wish for his speedy recovery. I was informed that he experienced chest pain and underwent an angiography. Thankfully, by the grace of Allah, he is now fine and nothing serious is wrong with him.” Her words not only conveyed her care for her husband’s well-being but also set the stage for a more personal and heartfelt message.
A Message of Clarification and Appeal
Saira further stated, “I want to inform everyone that we have not officially divorced. We are still husband and wife. The reason we are separated is because I haven’t been well for the past two years, and I didn’t want to burden him with my health issues. However, please do not refer to me as his ex-wife. We are simply separated, but my prayers are always with him.” This poignant clarification underscores the complexity of their situation, highlighting the distinction between separation and divorce, and her continued emotional investment in his life.
A Plea for Consideration
Extending her appeal, Saira humbly requested, “I would like to say to everyone, especially his family, please do not stress him out and take care of him. Thank you, Allah Hafiz.” This heartfelt plea not only reflects her concern for AR Rahman’s health and well-being but also her lingering emotional connection to him and his family, emphasizing the importance of their collective support during challenging times.
Interestingly, Saira Banu herself was hospitalized at the same Apollo Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. The hospital issued a health advisory, attributing AR Rahman’s condition to dehydration, possibly exacerbated by his observance of Ramadan fasting. His team corroborated this, highlighting the potential risks of dehydration associated with fasting, especially in the context of pre-existing health conditions.
As the world breathes a sigh of relief at AR Rahman’s recovery, Saira Banu’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of personal relationships and the power of empathy, care, and respect, even in the face of separation. The couple’s situation, while complex, underscores the importance of understanding, support, and the gentle handling of sensitive information, especially in the public eye.