“I wrote it with a hope that…” Shikhar Dhawan shares insights into his heartfelt message for son Zoravar
On his son Zoravar’s ninth birthday, Shikhar Dhawan, the veteran Indian cricketer, bared his soul about the emotional hurdles of being separated from his son for an entire year. The poignant post, swiftly spreading across social media, laid bare Dhawan’s struggle as he grappled with the distance and communication barriers that separated him from his child.
In a candid podcast discussion, Dhawan clarified that the post wasn’t an expression of pain but rather an outlet for his inner thoughts. Written after a five-month communication hiatus, the cricketer aimed to send love to his son, steering clear of transmitting negativity. He expressed surprise at the post’s viral reception, emphasizing its authenticity as a heartfelt expression. Dhawan also voiced his hope that, in the age of technology, his son might chance upon the post and wish for his happiness. Despite his deep affection, Dhawan acknowledged an emotional detachment, preferring not to force a connection.
“I wasn’t in pain; I was just expressing my thoughts. It has been five months since I spoke to him. I am an emotional guy, just trying to send love to him. I never realized it would go viral. I wrote it from my heart,” Dhawan shared in a candid conversation on the Humans of Bombay podcast.
Emotional Odyssey: Shikhar Dhawan’s Candid Revelations on Fatherhood, Separation, and Personal Struggles
“I wrote it with the hope that in this tech era, my son might read my post. Wherever he is, I hope he is happy. I am in love with him, but I am also detached. I don’t want to push him,” he continued.
Having divorced his ex-wife, Ayesha Mukherjee last year, Dhawan disclosed that he sends daily messages to Zoravar without certainty of their delivery. Despite the uncertainty, he expressed acceptance of the situation, focusing on fulfilling his duties as Zoravar’s father.
“I write messages to him every day; I don’t know whether he is receiving them or not. I don’t have expectations. I have accepted it. I am a father, and I am trying to do my duty. I miss him, I feel sad, but I have learned to live with it,” he added.
Reflecting on the limited time spent with Zoravar during meet-ups, Dhawan expressed his desire for more moments with his son. The cricketer’s story resonated with fans, eliciting an outpouring of support. As he gears up to lead the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhawan’s narrative sheds light not only on cricketing challenges but also on the personal struggles that extend beyond the boundaries of the cricket field.
19:30 IST
