AR Rahman opened up about having suicidal tendencies. Recently, he separated from his wife, Saira Banu.
AR Rahman had announced recently that he has separated from his wife, Saira Banu. The couple was together for 29 years before heading for divorce. Rahman then made his first public appearance at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. Fans noticed he looked visibly sad. However, in his masterclass, the music composer opened up about having suicidal thoughts.
AR Rahman, the famous singer and music composer, shared his sojourn with mental health. He spoke about his experiences of having suicidal thoughts at a young age. Rahman in his words said:
"When I had suicidal thoughts when I was young, my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t get these thoughts.’ That’s one of the most beautiful advice I got from my mother."
Rahman further continued that when one lives for others, one is not selfish. There is a meaning to one's life and he took it seriously. Rahman also added that whether you are composing for somebody, writing for something, buying food for a person who can’t afford it, or just smiling at someone, these are the things that keep one going. One also has limited knowledge about the future as there could be something extraordinary waiting. Rahman also added:
"If you have all these things, and hope, that’s what keeps me going. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve done it all, that I’m in a repetitive cycle, and then you realise there’s a bigger role for you."
Rahman, further in his masterclass, revealed how music was a healer for mental well-being. Rahman felt that everyone goes through mental health issues, such as depression. However, he thinks there is a void in everyone. That void can be filled by storytellers, by philosophy, and by entertainment, he felt. In his words:
"We all have dark times. One thing is definite; it’s a small little travel in this world. We were born, and we’re going to go. It’s not a permanent place for us. Where we’re going to go, we don’t know. (It depends) on each person’s own imagination and beliefs."
AR Rahman and Saira Banu's separation has shocked the entire world. The pair, who were married for three decades, opted for separation. There were speculations regarding the divorce proceedings and custody of Rahman and Saira's kids. Now, Saira's lawyer, Vandana Shah, in an interview with Vicky Lalwani for his YouTube channel, revealed that the custody of the couple's three kids is under deliberation. She said:
"That’s not decided yet… But some of them are adults, they are free to choose who they stay with.”
Vandana did not comment on the subject of alimony but stated that Saira was not at all a money minded person and had always maintained a low public profile throughout her marriage.
What are your views on AR Rahman expressing that he had suicidal thoughts?
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