It’s been two years since former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan last saw his 11-year-old son, Zoravar. Following a difficult divorce from his ex-wife Ayesha Mukherjee in 2023, Dhawan has had no contact with his son—he cannot call, message, or even check on him online, as Ayesha has blocked him on all social media platforms.
Despite the emotional toll, Dhawan says he has come to accept the situation and continues to feel spiritually connected to his son.
In a recent podcast interview with Ranveer Allahbadia, Dhawan shared the advice he would give Zoravar when he turns 31 or 32. He said, “Twenty years from now, when Zoravar is around 31, I would tell him that the key to life is happiness. Whatever path he chooses, he should find joy in it. The way to be happy is by looking inward—recognising your flaws, understanding your strengths, and working on them. That’s all I’d want to tell him—just stay happy.”
Previously, in a conversation with ANI, Dhawan had also spoken about how spirituality has helped him deal with the pain of being separated from his child. “It’s been two years since I’ve seen him and one year since we spoke. It’s hard, but you learn to cope. I miss him deeply and communicate with him in a spiritual way—I feel like I speak to him through daily affirmations, as if I’m hugging him with my energy,” he explained.
The psychological impact of long-term separation
According to Neha Cadabam, senior psychologist and executive director at Cadabams Hospitals, being separated from a child for a long time can lead to ongoing grief—especially when the child is alive but unreachable. “This kind of loss is layered with emotions like grief, helplessness, anger, guilt, and longing. Acknowledging these emotions is the first step toward healing,” she says.
She suggests that parents in such situations express their emotions through journaling, therapy, artistic pursuits, or connecting with support groups familiar with parental estrangement. Practicing self-compassion is key. “Many parents blame themselves, but it’s important to recognise that not everything is within their control,” she adds.
How self-reflective advice can shape emotional well-being
When asked how Dhawan’s message of happiness and introspection might impact a child’s emotional growth, Cadabam explains that such advice encourages lifelong emotional intelligence. “When a parent—especially a father—emphasizes inner growth over outward success, it teaches the child that self-worth isn’t dependent on achievements or social approval.”
She adds that these values build emotional strength over time. Children taught to reflect and focus on internal joy are often more resilient when facing challenges, identity changes, or failure.
Even if Dhawan’s message reaches his son much later in life, Cadabam believes it will still be powerful. “Knowing that a parent cared about your inner peace—even from afar—can be deeply healing. It reinforces that true strength lies not in avoiding emotion but in embracing and understanding it.”