AR Rahman slaps legal notice against slanderers over ‘defamatory write-ups’ about separation

Days after the announcement of AR Rahman and wife Saira Banu’s separation, the music composer has issued a legal notice against social media platforms and youtubers for making a series of “calumny and defamatory write-ups” about his personal life.

In a three-page statement, Rahman’s counsel noted that while leading newspapers have carried the news about the separation and the joint statement issued over the same, but some youtubers have started a series of calumny and defamatory write-ups about the same with their own concocted and fertile imaginary stories on their private life. There were also interviews by some busy bodies about their own perspective on the failure of their marriage life. It is unnecessary to reproduce each one of the statements that was spread across the social media platform which is intended to spread knowledge and awareness.”

Representing Rahman, the counsel has clarified that there is no “iota of truth in any of the programs, interviews attributing obscene contents thereby intending to harm the reputation of my client and also intended to be hurtful to his family.”

Giving out an ultimatum of a maximum of 24 hours, the notice asks the respective youtube channels and social media pages to remove the contents defamatory in nature, failing to do which they would face legal action.

The notice comes a day after Rahman’s son Ameen writing a short note junking rumours linking his father’s divorce with that of his team’s bassist Mohini Dey given the timing of both the announcements.

On November 19, Vandana Shah, the legal representative of AR Rahman’s wife Saira, made public the decision of her client to separate from her husband. The statement reads, “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman. This decision comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship. 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 emphasised that she has taken this decision out of pain and agony. Mrs Saira requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life.”

India Today first reported the news. Rahman also confirmed the news in the wee hours of Wednesday through social media.

The couple tied the knot in 1995 and have three children: Raheema, Ameen, and Khatija.

On the professional front, Rahman most recently worked on Raayanwhich marked Dhanush’s sophomore directorial. His upcoming projects include Thug Life, Chhaava, and Gandhi Talks.