Oscar-winning Indian composer A R Rahman has spoken candidly for the first time about the personal toll of fame following his divorce from wife Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage. In a recent interview, Rahman reflected on how celebrity status has deeply affected his private life, saying that while fame brought him global recognition, it also took away his freedom and peace. Living in Chennai, he explained, has been both a blessing and a burden—his fans’ love often leaves him with little personal space. Rahman described how public attention follows him everywhere, from airports to weddings, making it difficult to enjoy simple moments. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his attachment to his homeland, saying he never considered moving abroad. Rahman also contrasted the respect for privacy he experiences overseas with the constant public scrutiny in India, acknowledging that fame has come at a heavy personal cost.