AR Rahman issues warning over ‘defamatory posts’ about separation with Saira Banu

Music composer AR Rahman on Saturday, shared a letter, threatening to sue those speculating about the reason behind his separation with Saira Banu. The 57-year-old shared a three-page notice for those trying to defame him and his family by making ‘objectionable’ claims after the news of his separation was announced on November 19, Tuesday.
The legal team of the globally renowned singer further gave the “slanderers” a 24-hour window to remove the objectionable content made against him and his family. A part of the notice addressed to the creators of such posts read, “My client informs the hatemongers and sharers of abusive contents to remove the objectionable content within the next one hour and a maximum time duration of 24 hours, he will be advised to file appropriate criminal defamation case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and in such an event, the offenders are liable to be punished with an imprisonment of two years, with or without fine as the court may determine under Section 356 (2) of the said Act (sic).”
Various reports linking the news of Rahman’s separation with the news of his bassist, Mohni Dey’s separation, emerged online. Dey, who has toured with Rahman for years, shared a statement announcing her divorce on Wednesday, November 20. While many on social media linked the two announcements, Rahman and Saira’s legal representative swiftly dismissed any connection between the two separations.
“There is no connection at all. Saira and Mr Rahman made this decision on their own,” Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, told Republic TV. She also mentioned that there had been no discussion regarding financial matters between Rahman and Saira.
Later, in an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, Shah expressed her disappointment with the rumours of the reason behind the singer’s separation. She addressed the speculations related to Rahman’s bassist, and dismissed them.
“If another person also announces their divorce, will people start connecting them too? There are multiple socialites who are also going through divorces at the same time, but it doesn’t mean they have any connection. It’s ridiculous and deserves to be treated with contempt. I was horrified to read it. I have never seen this level of nonsense,” she said.
Rahman and Saira got married in 1995, and are parents to three children- Khatija, Raheema and Ameen.