A.R. Rahman’s Divorce Sparks Questions on Long Marriages
Why Long Marriages Are Ending in Divorce: Changing Social Dynamics
In a surprising announcement, music legend A.R. Rahman revealed his decision to divorce his wife, Saira Banu, at the age of 57. The news, shared late at night, shocked fans and followers. The couple, who recently celebrated their daughter’s wedding and embraced grandparenthood, has decided to part ways after years of marriage.
This trend isn’t isolated. Last year, actor Ashish Vidyarthi divorced his first wife, Rajoshi, after decades of marriage, only to marry Assam’s Rupali Barua at the age of 60. In 2021, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan separated from his second wife, Kiran Rao, ending their 16-year-long marriage.
Traditionally, elders emphasized the idea that if couples navigate the challenges of the initial years, their marriages would last a lifetime. However, this belief seems to be fading, as more and more couples are opting for divorce even after 20 or 25 years of marriage.
The changing social landscape raises significant questions: Why are couples choosing to part ways in their 50s or beyond? Why do relationships that have lasted decades seem to falter? And what compels individuals to seek new beginnings after fulfilling marital duties for decades?
It appears that the notion of a “long-lasting marriage” is being redefined, reflecting evolving societal norms and individual expectations.
