Music legend AR Rahman was rushed to a Chennai hospital recently after suffering from dehydration. According to doctors, he was discharged the same day after a routine check-up and is now recovering at home. As news of his health scare spread, concern poured in from fans and well-wishers. Amid the flurry of reports, his wife, Saira Banu, stepped forward to offer clarity, not just about Rahman’s condition, but also about their relationship.
Saira released a statement through her lawyer, Vandana Shah, wishing Rahman a speedy recovery. But more importantly, she made it clear that despite their separation, they are not legally divorced. “We are still husband and wife,” she said, addressing the growing public confusion. “We’ve been apart for personal reasons. I’ve been unwell these past couple of years and didn’t want to burden him emotionally. But there’s no divorce between us.”
Saira Banu breaks silence on divorce rumours, clarifies her marital status with AR Rahman amid his health recoveryGetty Images
This comes after Rahman and Saira jointly announced their separation in November last year, ending 29 years of marriage. The couple, who married in 1995, have three children together- Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. At the time, their statement explained that the decision was made after a long period of emotional strain.
In a voice message shared along with her statement, Saira asked people not to refer to her as Rahman’s ex-wife. She emphasised that although they are living separately, she remains supportive of him. “My prayers are always with him,” she added, urging Rahman’s family and the public to avoid causing him any additional stress during his recovery.
Meanwhile, Rahman’s son, Ameen, also updated fans on his father’s condition through social media. He reassured everyone that Rahman is doing well and thanked supporters for their prayers and good wishes.
This public clarification from Saira Banu follows her own recent health challenges, which had required hospitalisation and surgery. She acknowledged Rahman’s support during her difficult time and expressed gratitude to those who had reached out.
For now, AR Rahman is said to be recuperating at home. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also confirmed that the music maestro is in stable condition. Saira Banu’s message has not only put to rest rumours but also showed us the complex nature of personal relationships in the public eye.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.