Music composer A.R. Rahman has issued a strongly-worded legal notice addressing defamatory social media content being circulated following his recent separation from wife Saira.

Rahman’s statement comes after several YouTube channels and social media users spread rumours linking him romantically to his bassist, Mohini Dey. Mohini announced her separation hours after Rahman opened up about his divorce earlier this week, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories online.

On November 23, Rahman shared a legal letter on social media, targeting what he referred to as “highly imaginary and false stories” aimed at tarnishing his reputation. The notice, issued by Rahman’s legal counsel, demanded the removal of objectionable content within 24 hours, warning of criminal defamation proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, if the content was not taken down.

“There is no iota of truth in any of the programs, interviews attributing obscene contents thereby intending to harm the reputation of my client and also intended to be hurtful to his family... My client informs the hatemongers and sharers of abusive contents to remove the objectionable content within the next one hour and a maximum time duration of 24 hours,” the notice read.

The notice further condemned social media platforms for spreading “calumny and defamatory write-ups” based on “fertile imaginary stories”, accusing some creators of exploiting the situation for “cheap short-lived publicity”.

Rahman had on November 20 taken to X to share a message regarding his separation. “We had hoped to reach the grand thirty, but all things, it seems, carry an unseen end. Even the throne of God might tremble at the weight of broken hearts,” his note read.

The couple cited “emotional strain” as the reason for their decision, which was met with an outpouring of support from fans and well-wishers.