AR Rahman's ex-wife Saira Banu says she needed a 'break' from maestro

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

AR Rahman’s ex-wife, Saira Banu, has issued a statement urging the media and public to stop tarnishing his reputation. This comes five days after the couple publicly announced their separation via social media and requested privacy during this time. In her statement, Saira expressed her love and respect for Rahman and called him the “best man in the world”. She further appealed to YouTubers and media outlets to avoid making hurtful remarks about him or their family.

Saira Banu has been living in Mumbai for several months for medical treatment. In an audio statement, she mentioned that her health issues had necessitated her temporary move away from Chennai. She emphasised that this distance was a personal choice related to her health and not indicative of any discord between her and Rahman. She also mentioned that her health was the “reason” why she wanted to “take a break from AR.” She further urged the media and YouTubers to not say anything bad against him.

AR Rahman, a 'gem of a person'

In the audio statement, she called him a “gem of a person”, and “the best man in the world”. She also added that she is “going through treatment” which wouldn't have been possible with “AR's busy schedule in Chennai."

Saira Banu described her ex-husband and Oscar-winning musician as an exceptional and loving individual and reiterated that their decision to separate was based on mutual understanding. She also asked for privacy and respect for their space, stating that no official announcements about their relationship had been