Rahman's children request privacy after musician and wife announce separation
Mumbai (PTI): Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman and Saira Banu's three children have asked for privacy and respect after their parent's announced that they were separating after 29 years of marriage.
The couple, who got married in 1995, broke the news on Tuesday night in a joint statement, which was released by prominent divorce lawyer Vandana Shah.
Their three children -- daughters Khatija, Raheema, and son Ameen -- posted messages on Instagram Stories after the news broke at night.
Ameen wrote, "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding."
Khatija and Raheema both posted, "I would greatly appreciate it if this matter could be treated with the utmost privacy & respect. Thank you for your consideration."
Raheema also reposted his father's post on X and captioned it, "Keep us in your prayers."
In their statement, Rahman and Banu said they took the decision to separate after "significant emotional strain in their relationship".
"After many years of marriage, Saira and her husband A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other. 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," read the joint statement, issued to media by Shah.
They said the decision to separate comes out of "pain and agony", and requested "privacy and understanding from the public" as they navigate this "difficult chapter" in their life.
Banu was first to announce the separation in a statement, which was followed by a joint statement.
Rahman later posted on X, saying that he had hoped to complete 30 years of marriage with Banu but "all things, it seems, carry an unseen end".
"Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts. Yet, in this shattering, we seek meaning, though the pieces may not find their place again. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter," he said.
The couple's most recent appearance was at the grand wedding of Mukesh Ambani's son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai in July this year.
Rahman's post on X came as a shock to his ardent fan base with many asking the music maestro to "stay strong".
"Even 29yrs not enough I guess to stay together," wrote one fan.
Another said, "Stay Strong Sir. Let us Respect their Privacy!!"
"Hope everything will be alright bhai," a user commented on Rahman's post.
"Stay strong RAHMAN sir we pray to give you peace of mind..." read a post.
A user said, "Hugs to you Sir. I have tears in my eyes and in my heart. Love you forever. I am so sorry to hear about this. It feels heart breaking. I pray for both of you to find peace and strength. Love you forever and forever."
Another fan said, "Stay strong sir. May Allah grant peace to both the hearts. You have always been an amazing son, husband and father. You will always be. We love you so much ARR sir. lots of love and respect to you. strong hugs."
There were also those who pleaded the couple to give their relationship another chance.
"Pls reconsider for sake of your children," one post read.
One fan wrote, "Stay strong sir. May time reunite you both again."
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KMES Institutions shine in SSLC result, continue four-decade legacy of education in rural Karkala
Karkala: KMES Institutions of Education at Kukkundooru in Karkala taluk has recorded outstanding results in the 2025-26 SSLC and PUC examinations, continuing a four-decade educational journey that began with just 22 kindergarten students and no building of its own.
The institution secured a 100 per cent result in the SSLC examinations, with all 43 students passing the examination this year.
Muhammad Arman Shahid emerged as the school topper by scoring 619 marks out of 625, securing 99 per cent and also ranking sixth at the state level. He scored full marks in Kannada, Hindi, Mathematics and Social Science.
Krithika V. Nayak secured the second position in the school with 607 marks and 97.12 per cent, while Arhan stood third with 605 marks and 96.8 per cent.
Out of the 43 students, 21 passed with distinction, 19 secured first class, two students obtained second class and one student passed in third class. Fourteen students scored above 90 per cent.
The institution also performed strongly in the PUC examinations. The Science stream recorded a 100 per cent result, with all 44 students passing, while Commerce secured a 98 per cent pass percentage.
Twelve students scored full marks in different subjects, including Mathematics.
In Commerce, Deeksha Acharya topped the college with 588 marks, while Harshitha H. Kini secured the second position with 581 marks.
In Science, Naveen B. Nayak emerged as topper with 586 marks, followed closely by Sameeksha Moily and Aifa Nidha, who both secured 585 marks.
Speaking about the achievement, High School head teacher Shrimati Patkar said the institution has always focused on supporting academically weak students through affordable education and free special classes.
“Our ambition is to provide quality education even to students who struggle in studies. The fees are very low, and free coaching classes are conducted. I have worked here for 28 years and have always found the atmosphere supportive of education,” she said.
Primary School head teacher Lolita Zeena D’Silva appreciated the dedication of the teaching staff and said the school encourages students not only to achieve high marks but also to become role models.
PU College Principal Balakrishna Rao said the institution focuses on value-based education and overall personality development.
“The aim is to help students succeed not only academically but also in cultural activities, sports and leadership. We encourage qualities such as patience, tolerance and discipline,” he said.
Rao also credited the institution’s growth to the support of founders K.S. Mohammed Masood and K.S. Nissar Ahmed, along with President K.S. Imtiaz Ahmed.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiaz Ahmed said the institution was built on the dream of making quality education accessible to financially backward families in rural areas.
He said the guidance and encouragement of his elder brothers, Mohammed Masood and Nissar Ahmed, along with the contribution of teachers, students and parents, helped transform the institution into a model educational centre.
The KMES Institutions trace their roots back to 1984, when they were founded by senior social activists Haji P.M. Khan, K.S. Nazeer Ahmed and Haji A.S. Rashid Haider.
The institution initially functioned from the Government Urdu School premises as it did not have a building of its own. Classes began with only 22 students in lower kindergarten and two teachers.
Later, under the leadership of K.S. Mohammed Masood and with continuous financial and moral support from non-resident businessman K.S. Nissar Ahmed, the institution gradually expanded.
In 1993, the school shifted to its own building and began conducting classes from LKG to Class 5.
As student admissions increased, Nissar Ahmed personally funded the construction of three additional classrooms to address infrastructure shortages.
The institution’s new school building was completed in 1997, while the PU College building was constructed in 2001.
From humble beginnings in a borrowed building to producing state-level rank holders and consistent academic results, the KMES Institutions have grown into one of the prominent educational centres in the Karkala region.
