‘Not officially divorced’: Saira Rahman urges not to call her AR Rahman’s ‘ex-wife’ amid singer’s health scare

AR Rahman Health Scare: "We haven't divorced officially, and we are still husband and wife', AR Rahman's wife Saira Rahman revealed on Sunday. Two-time Oscar and Grammy winner, AR Rahman, 58, had suffered a health scare when he was taken to Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai after he complained to discomfort.

In an audio message to media houses, Saira Rahman elaborated, “We have separated because my health hasn't been good for the past two years, and I don't want to give him any stress. Therefore, I urge the media to not call me his ex-wife. Though we have separated, I am always praying for him”.

AR Rahman Health Scare

Music composer AR Rahman was admitted to a Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, on Sunday following dehydration and was discharged some hours later after doctors gave him a clean bill of health.

The 58-year-old musician was hospitalised on early Sunday morning and was now back home, according to his manager Senthil Velan.

AR Rahman's son AR Ameen shared a picture of the medical bulletin issued by Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road on his Instagram Stories.

In the bulletin, the hospital authorities said AR Rahman visited the facility "today morning with dehydration symptoms and got discharged after routine check-up".

‘Do Not Call Me His Ex-Wife’

AR Rahman's wife Saira Rahman, who announced separation with the musician after 29 years of marriage in November, also sent her best wishes.

"AR is in my prayers, and I wish him the best of health. In this tough time, I stand by him, as I also recover from my surgery, and wish him a speedy recovery," Saira Rahman said in a statement.

In an audio statement, she asked the media not to refer to her as Rahman's ex-wife as they were separate but "not divorced".

"We are still husband and wife. It's just that we are separated because I wasn't keeping well for the last two years and I didn't want to stress him. I request the media to not call me his 'ex-wife'. I ask everyone, including his family, to not give any stress to him and take care of him," Saira Rahman further said.

Saira Rahman Announced Separation in Nov'24

On 19 November, 2024, AR Rahman’s wife, Saira, had announced the couple's separation after 29 years of marriage. A statement issued by her advocate, Vandana Shah, said, “After many years of marriage, Mrs Saira has made the difficult decision to separate from her husband Mr. AR Rahman."

The statement read, “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 requests privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as she navigates this difficult chapter in her life,” the statement read.

Saira Rahman Underwent Emergency Surgery in Feb'25

On 20 February, 2025, it was reported that Saira Rahman, underwent surgery after being hospitalised due to a "medical emergency," as per a statement from her lawyer, Vandana Shah.

“During this challenging time, her sole focus is on a speedy recovery,” stated Saira Rahman's statement, shared by her advocate on Instagram.