AR Rahman Issues Legal Notice Over Defamatory Rumours Amid Divorce Announcement

November 24, 2024: Music maestro AR Rahman has taken a firm stand against defamatory rumours circulating on social media following his announcement of separation from his wife, Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage. On November 23, the Oscar-winning composer shared a legal notice on Instagram, warning platforms and individuals propagating false narratives about his personal life to cease immediately or face legal action.

Legal Action Against Slanderers

The notice specifically addressed baseless claims of an alleged affair between Rahman and his bassist, Mohini Dey, which surfaced after both announced their respective separations within hours of each other. Rahman dismissed these rumours as “highly imaginative and false stories,” accusing certain social media platforms and content creators of spreading defamatory material for “cheap, short-lived publicity.”

The legal notice reads:

Any platforms sharing or hosting defamatory content must remove it within 24 hours.
Failure to comply will result in a criminal defamation case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, with penalties including imprisonment of up to two years.

AR Rahman’s Official Statement on Divorce

Rahman previously addressed his separation on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a heartfelt message about the emotional toll of the decision. “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again,” he wrote.

Saira’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, confirmed that the couple’s decision to separate was mutual and emphasised the importance of respecting their privacy. “It is a painful decision, but it is a joint one. Family’s privacy must be respected at this time,” she said in a statement to ANI.

Defamation and Social Media Responsibility

The notice also criticized platforms for hosting “stage-managed publications” and interviews speculating on Rahman’s personal life. Rahman’s legal team pointed out that these actions violated the platforms’ own policies against abuse and harassment.

“These concocted stories harm my client’s reputation and are hurtful to his family,” the notice stated. Rahman’s team urged platforms to be more vigilant and responsible about the content they allow, especially when it pertains to sensitive matters.

A Painful End to a Long Union

Rahman and Saira’s nearly three-decade-long marriage had been a cornerstone of the composer’s life. Together, they share three children and have often been seen as a symbol of enduring partnership. While their separation marks the end of an era, Rahman has appealed for dignity and respect during this challenging time.

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Misha Bhatia