Music composer AR Rahman recently announced his separation from his wife of 29 years Saira Banu in an official statement on social media. After a week of speculation, the popular singer-composer made his first public appearance at the 55th International Film Festival of India, where he spoke at length about mental health issues including depression.

Rahman said more people are suffering from depression these days as they are trying to deal with a ‘void’ in their lives. The 57-year-old shared that people feel incomplete and don’t know how to overcome that feeling. The Oscar-winning composer said investing energy in reading, writing and even listening to music will help a person suffering from mental health problems recover.

He advised that the individual should stop focusing on their ‘carnal needs’, including physical gratification and violence, which does not contribute to the healing process.

“Now we all have mental health problems, depression. Because I think there is a void in all of us. That void can be filled by storytellers, philosophies, the way you entertain,” Rahman said at IFFI Goa 2024. Could.” I don’t even know you are taking drugs, there is more to it than just satisfying your physical needs like violence and sex.

Earlier this year, during his speech to Oxford Union Debating Society students, Rahman opened up about battling suicidal thoughts when he was young. Addressing the students, he revealed that his mother taught him the importance of making a small difference in the lives of others, even if it means sharing a simple smile with them. Rahman said that one piece of advice brought a storm of change in his life and he was able to fight his mental health issues.

“When I was young, I had suicidal thoughts, so my mother used to say, ‘When you live for others, you won’t have these thoughts.’ This is one of the most beautiful advices I got from my mother. When you live for others, and you are not selfish, your life has a meaning, I took this very seriously, no matter who you are “Whether it’s creating, writing for something, buying food for someone who can’t afford it, or you just make someone smile, these are the things that keep us going,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Rehman also recently shared a warning to those trying to ‘defame’ him and his family members by speculating about the reasons behind his separation with Saira. The couple has clarified that their decision was mutual, and they will continue to respect and love each other.