AR Rahman and Saira Banu found themselves at the centre of social media speculation after they announced their separation after nearly 30 years of marriage. Amidst the chatter, vicious rumours circulating online falsely claim that Rahman converted to Islam for his wife. However, these claims were rubbished, as Rahman himself previously clarified the reasons behind his spiritual journey.
In a 2000 interview with Karan Thapar for a BBC talk show, Rahman shared that his decision to embrace Islam stemmed from a deeply personal and spiritual experience when a Sufi spiritual healer, treated his father during his battle with cancer. “We later met [the Sufi] after 7-8 years, and that’s when we led another spiritual path which gave us peace,” Rahman explained.
Further details about his spiritual transformation were shared in ‘A.R. Rahman: The Spirit of Music‘ by Nasreen Munni Kabir. The musician described his upbringing as one that respected all faiths. He noted that while his mother practised Hinduism, their house had images of various religions.
He also recounted how a Hindu astrologer suggested his Muslim name. Recalling his visit to the astrologer as his youngest sister was getting ready to wed, he asked the man for name suggestions. “He suggested the names: Abdul Rahman and Abdul Rahim and said that either name would be good for me. I instantly loved the name Rahman. It was a Hindu astrologer who gave me my Muslim name,” he recalled.
Rahman also disclosed to Karan Thapar that it was his mother who chose Allah Rakha (AR) as it came to her in a dream. He also quipped that he never liked his real. He famously said, “No disrespect to the great actor Dilip Kumar! However, somehow my name didn’t match the image I had of myself.”
Rahman and his wife Saira Banu, along with their three children, have asked for privacy as they navigate this tough time. “To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter,” the singer wrote in his note.
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