Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman has taken a strong stand against slanderous rumors circulating about his personal life. On November 23, 2024, Rahman shared a legal notice on his Instagram, demanding that YouTube channels and social media platforms remove content suggesting an alleged affair between him and his bassist, Mohini Dey. The rumors began circulating after both Rahman and Dey separately announced their decisions to part ways with their respective partners earlier this week.
The legal notice, issued by Rahman’s representatives, addresses the defamatory videos and interviews that have been spreading false information about the composer’s personal life. The notice states that these content creators have concocted baseless stories, aimed at tarnishing Rahman’s reputation and that of his family.
Rahman’s legal team pointed out that the divorce announcement was made publicly by Rahman on November 19, 2024, where he shared a heartfelt message on Twitter about the end of his 29-year marriage to his wife, Saira. The couple cited “significant emotional strain” as the reason for their separation. The joint statement from both Rahman and Saira, which was widely covered by the media, emphasized their mutual decision and the emotional toll it had taken on their relationship.
Despite the couple’s public declaration, social media platforms and several YouTube channels have continued to spread harmful rumors, including speculative interviews and content aimed at sensationalizing their private lives. Rahman’s legal notice decries these actions, calling them “content-starved” attempts to gain short-lived publicity at the cost of his family’s dignity.
The notice further warns that if the defamatory content is not removed within 24 hours, Rahman will file criminal defamation cases under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Offenders found guilty of spreading such content could face up to two years in prison, with or without a fine, as per the law.
The couple’s lawyer, Vandana Shah, confirmed that the divorce was a mutual decision, adding that the family’s privacy should be respected during this painful time. She emphasized that ups and downs are common in any marriage, and the couple hopes for understanding as they navigate this challenging period.
This legal action underscores Rahman’s firm resolve to protect his family from defamatory and hurtful content, urging social media platforms to adhere to ethical standards and avoid spreading falsehoods for the sake of sensationalism.
