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Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan laid bare the emotional devastation of being allegedly cut off from his 11-year-old son, Zoravar, revealing a struggle that transcends the boundaries of fame and success.
In a recent interview with ANI, the 38-year-old opener spoke of the ‘unbearable pain’ of losing contact with his child, admitting he has spent only about two years or spoken to him in over a year.
“I still message him every three or four days, even though I am blocked. I don’t expect him to read them. It is my job to reach out,” Dhawan told ANI, his voice reflecting a father’s relentless hope amid despair.
Spiritual Bonds Replace Physical Presence
With legal avenues not allowing him custody of his son, Dhawan has turned to spirituality to bridge the gap. The cricketer, who has spent just 2.5 years physically present in Zoravar’s life due to a protracted custody battle, stated that he now relies on meditation and visualization to sustain their bond.
“I feel through affirmations that I am conversing with him every day, hugging him. I put my energy into it spiritually. It is the only way I can bring back my son,” he said during the same talks with ANI.
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Divorce, Allegations, and a Fractured Family
The cricketer’s ordeal traces back to his 2012 marriage with Australian citizen Aesha Mukerji, which unraveled bitterly. A Delhi family court granted Dhawan a divorce in October 2023, accepting his allegations of “cruelty” and “mental agony.”
He accused Aesha of falling back on promises to relocate to India, forcing a long-distance marriage and systematically restricting access to Zoravar. The court granted Dhawan visitation rights in India and Australia, along with video-call access, but stopped short of awarding custody.
Despite the legal victory, Dhawan’s attempts to reconnect with his son have reportedly been futile, leaving him in limbo.
A Universal Story of Parental Separation
Dhawan’s anguish underscores the silent battles faced by divorced parents navigating fractured relationships with their children. His decision to speak openly sheds light on the emotional toll of custody disputes, where legal wins often clash with emotional losses.
“My son is 11 years old now, but I have seen him for only two-and-a-half years of his life,” he lamented, emphasizing that his sole focus remains Zoravar’s well-being.
