November 24, 2024: Renowned music composer AR Rahman has issued a stern legal warning to those spreading defamatory content about him and his family. This action comes shortly after the announcement of his separation from his wife, Saira Banu, after 29 years of marriage.
On Saturday, Rahman took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a legal notice from his team, directing those involved in the circulation of harmful and objectionable content to remove it within 24 hours. “My client informs the hatemongers and sharers of abusive content to remove it within the next one hour and a maximum time duration of 24 hours,” the notice reads, threatening legal action if compliance is not met.
The legal notice comes in the wake of AR Rahman’s emotional announcement about the end of his marriage, which he shared with his followers on X. Reflecting on the relationship, Rahman wrote: “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, 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.”
Notice to all slanders from AR Rahman Legal Team
Following Rahman’s post, rumours began circulating, fueled by the announcement from bassist Mohini Dey regarding her own marital separation from husband Mark Kutsch. This led to widespread speculation, further compounding the media frenzy around Rahman’s personal life.
In response, AR Rahman’s legal team condemned the false stories and pointed out the distress these reports were causing his family. The notice highlighted that certain individuals, driven by a desire for cheap publicity, were fabricating stories for short-term fame, even at the expense of defaming a respected figure like Rahman.
The legal document also emphasized the potential legal consequences for those refusing to take down the false content. “Failure to comply within 24 hours will result in a criminal defamation case under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023,” the notice warned. Furthermore, Rahman’s team stated they would seek prior restraint on such publications by media platforms, aiming to prevent the continued spread of these defamatory stories.
The legal team also made it clear that the stories circulating about AR Rahman’s private life, particularly around the collapse of his marriage, were purely fabricated and had no basis in truth. “Our client instructs us to inform that there is not an iota of truth in any of the programmes and interviews, which intend to harm the reputation of our client and also to hurt his family,” the notice stated.
Rahman and Saira Banu, who married in 1995, have three children—daughters Khatija and Raheema, and son Ameen. The couple’s separation has sparked a wave of attention, but Rahman is determined to protect his and his family’s privacy from unwarranted intrusion.