AR Rahman's former band member Mohini Dey breaks silence on their relationship after his ex-wife speaks out on their separation

Mohini Dey, a former bassist for AR Rahman, refuted rumors of a link with the composer, calling him a mentor and father figure. This follows Rahman's recent separation from his wife, Saira Banu, after nearly three decades of marriage.

Mohini Dey, Saira Banu and AR Rahman
Bassist Mohini Dey, a former member of AR Rahman's band, broke her silence on rumours linking her to the celebrated composer. Addressing the matter, Mohini firmly dismissed the rumors as baseless and expressed her dismay over the misinformation surrounding her association with Rahman. Mohini Dey, who began working with AR Rahman at a young age before moving to the US, took to Instagram to address the controversy. She shared a video in which she described Rahman as a father figure and someone who significantly influenced her musical journey. Mohini Dey has also announced separation from his husband Mark, leading to speculations.

Mohini Dey sets the record straight

In the video, Mohini highlighted her deep respect for Rahman, emphasizing that her bond with him was purely professional and familial. She explained how their relationship resembled that of a mentor and mentee. She noted that Rahman’s daughter is the same age as her.

For over eight years, Mohini performed as Rahman’s bassist, touring with his band and contributing to various projects. Five years ago, she relocated to the United States to pursue opportunities with international pop artists and focus on her independent music. Despite stepping away from Rahman’s band, she continues to treasure the time spent under his guidance.


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In her heartfelt caption accompanying the post, Mohini criticized rumours for twisting facts and creating false narratives. She urged the public to respect her privacy and recognize the emotional toll such misinformation can have. She also acknowledged the pivotal roles other mentors played in her life, including her late father, who introduced her to music, and other industry legends like Ranjit Barot and Louiz Banks.


Saira Banu Speaks Out Amid Separation

Last week, AR Rahman and his former wife Saira Banu, last week announced their decision to part ways after nearly three decades of marriage. The separation, described as a mutual decision born out of emotional strain, took the public by surprise.

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In a voice note shared by her lawyer, Saira Banu addressed her health issues and the challenges she faced, which led to her temporary relocation to Mumbai for treatment. She clarified that her move was driven solely by medical needs and not related to any personal conflict. Saira praised Rahman as a loving and trustworthy husband, urging the media and public to stop making baseless allegations against him.

Explaining her decision to leave Chennai, she revealed that Rahman’s busy schedule and her desire not to burden her family led her to seek treatment away from home. Saira reassured everyone that she holds Rahman in high regard, calling him an extraordinary individual and requesting privacy during this challenging time.

The announcement of the separation was shared through a statement issued by Saira Banu’s lawyer, Vandana Shah. The couple revealed that their decision to part ways stemmed from emotional challenges that had created an unbridgeable gap in their relationship. They emphasized that the decision was made with heavy hearts and requested respect for their privacy.

The statement acknowledged the couple’s deep love for each other but noted that the pressures and difficulties in their relationship had reached a point where reconciliation was no longer possible. The couple expressed their pain and the hope that they would find peace as they navigated this new phase in their lives.

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Rahman’s Emotional Post

Following the official announcement, AR Rahman took to social media to share his thoughts on the separation. His messsage reflected the heartbreak and complexity of the situation. While Rahman acknowledged the sorrow of their parting, he expressed gratitude for the years they shared and asked for kindness from friends and fans during this fragile time. Rahman and Saira Banu married in 1995 and have three children: Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen.
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