Mohini Dey breaks silence on linkup rumours with AR Rahman; calls him a ‘father figure’ | Watch video

Academy Award-winning musician AR Rahman has been making headlines ever since he announced his divorce from his wife Saira Banu after 29 years of marriage. Soon after the announcement, Bass player Mohini Dey also announced her separation from her husband Mark Hartsuch on social media. The timing of these announcements led netizens to speculate about a possible linkup between Mohini and Rahman. Now, the bassist took to social media and addressed the gossip, calling the rumours baseless. In a video, Mohini described the singer as a "father figure," while criticizing the spread of misinformation and urging netizens to be sensitive, kind and respectful of their privacy.

Mohini Dey on her linkup rumours with AR Rahman

Mohini took to Instagram and shared a video addressing the linkup rumours between her and Rahman. Shedding light on her life and her bond with AR Rahman, Mohini said that she has been fortunate to have father figures and role models in her life who have had vital roles in her upbringing. She added that Rahman is one such father figure whom she respects a lot.

She said, "I have a lot of father figures, role models in my life, and I've been really fortunate and grateful to have had them play vital roles in my upbringing. AR happens to be one of them. By AR, I mean AR Rahman. I respect him a lot. He is just like my father. He is actually a little bit younger than my dad. His daughter is exactly my age, I think. We have a lot of respect and love for each other."

Mohini further said that she worked with Rahman in his band for eight-and-a-half years after which she moved to the US to work with other artists. She concluded the video by stating that it is a painful process and urged netizens to respect her privacy. She said, "I have my own band as well and my own music that I tour with. Anyway, long story short. Please be kind and respect our privacy. It's a personal matter, and it's painful. It's a painful process. So please be kind.”

In the caption of the post, Mohini criticised the baseless and misinformation spreading around her and Rahman. Mohini added that she feels disheartened to see that people have no respect, sympathy or empathy towards emotional matters like this.

Naming the people who have influenced her life, she wrote, "My dad who taught me everything music (who I lost a year ago) and then @ranjitbarot1 who introduced me to the industry, @louizbanksofficial who shaped me & @arrahman who gave me the freedom to shine in his shows and his musical arrangements during recording sessions. I cherish and treasure that and will always do!”

Concluding the post, she said, "Media/Paps do not understand the effect it has on people’s minds and lives. Be sensitive. I don't owe anyone any explanations but also, I don't want this to brew and interrupt my day so, Kindly stop with the false claims & Respect our privacy. Love, Mo.”