Music maestro A R Rahman, 57, and his wife, Saira Banu, 50, announced their separation on Tuesday after 29 years of marriage. In a statement issued by Banu’s advocate, Vandana Shah, it was revealed that the couple had encountered an “insurmountable gap” in their relationship, leading to this decision.

Just hours later, Rahman’s bassist, Mohini Dey, 29 — who has performed in over 40 shows worldwide with the Oscar-winning composer — shared news of her split from husband Mark Hartsuch on Instagram. This coincidental timing sparked rumours of a possible romantic connection between Rahman and Dey.

However, Vandana Shah firmly dismissed these speculations, calling them baseless. “There is no connection between that poor lady [Dey] who has filed for divorce and this [Rahman-Banu] divorce,” she tells us.

Shah further explains that when marriages fail, it is often a mutual decision: “We have given out a joint statement. Otherwise, it would have been a one-sided, acrimonious matter, which would have been publicly apparent.”

Responding to rumours about property discussions between Rahman-Banu since July, Shah says, “There has been no discussion about money at this stage because you have to understand it’s a long marriage and they both are really dignified and private individuals and it was a marriage based on love.”

She also remarks, “Both have approached this with great respect.”