AR Rahman and Saira Banu’s divorce lawyer Vandana Shah speaks about alimony: ‘The idea of 50% alimony in India is a myth’ | Hindi Movie News

Oscar-winning music composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira Banu have decided to end their nearly three-decade-long marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in 1995, are parents to three children – Khatija, Raheema, and Ameen. The news of their separation was confirmed through Rahman’s heartfelt post on Twitter on November 19, where he reflected on the emotional weight of the decision.
“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. To our friends, thank you for your kindness and for respecting our privacy as we walk through this fragile chapter,” Rahman wrote.
Vandana Shah, a well-known divorce lawyer handling Rahman and Banu’s case, spoke about its delicate nature in an interview with Bollywood Bubble. She noted that decisions like this are never easy, especially after being married for 29 years, though she didn’t go into specific details.
Shah remarked that a marriage of this length is a significant milestone, and the separation is undoubtedly life-altering for both parties. She added that the emotional toll and societal context in a country like India make divorce a complex and deeply personal process.

Shah also addressed misconceptions about alimony in India, clarifying that the idea of a spouse automatically receiving 50% of assets after divorce is a myth. “In India, the idea of receiving 50% alimony after divorce is a myth. And it’s not documented in law. There is no fixed percentage mandated by the legal system. This misconception has been perpetuated, making people believe that a spouse automatically gets 50% alimony upon divorce. But that is not true. The actual outcome largely depends on the arguments presented in court, the Affidavit of Assets and Liabilities submitted, and the overall context of the case,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Rahman has taken legal action against defamatory content circulating on social media platforms following the announcement of his separation. His legal team has issued notices demanding the immediate removal of objectionable material from platforms such as YouTube, X, Instagram, and Facebook, ensuring that false narratives do not tarnish their privacy during this difficult time.