Sania Mirza Opens Up On Single Parenting After Divorce From Pakistan Cricketer Shoaib Malik

Sania Mirza discusses the complexities of single parenting after her separation from Shoaib Malik. She highlights the emotional strain of managing responsibilities across Dubai and India while raising their son, Izhaan.

Sania Mirza has shared insights into her life post-separation from Shoaib Malik, highlighting the complexities of single parenting. Her son resides in Dubai, while her professional commitments often require her presence in India. During a podcast episode with Karan Johar, she expressed that managing responsibilities across two countries adds to the challenge.

In their conversation, Karan Johar acknowledged the unique difficulties Sania faces due to cross-border coordination and emotional strain. He noted that raising children independently can be "liberating," but Sania's situation is more daunting because it involves two nations.

Challenges of Co-Parenting Across Borders

Sania and Shoaib Malik spent much of their marriage based in Dubai. Post-separation, their son Izhaan continues to live there. Sania frequently travels between Dubai and India for work, which she finds exhausting. "Leaving him behind is tough," she told Karan, adding that being away for a week at a time feels burdensome despite her mother's support in Dubai.

The former tennis star also touched on the loneliness that followed her separation. She mentioned skipping dinners because she didn't want to eat alone, joking that this unintended fasting helped her lose weight. However, the underlying issue was adjusting to evenings without company.

Sania Mirza's Panic Attack Experience

This isn't the first time Sania has spoken about juggling work and motherhood. In an earlier podcast episode with filmmaker Farah Khan, she recounted experiencing a panic attack on set. Farah recalled receiving a distressed call from Sania and rushing over "in pyjamas and chappal," leaving her own shoot to offer support.

Sania confirmed it was one of her lowest moments but credited Farah for helping her push through. Despite the incident, she managed to perform on a live show shortly after, thanks to Farah's encouragement: "No matter what, you are doing this show."

Currently, Sania says she's still adapting to the new routine involving travel and co-parenting across borders. While the demands remain unchanged, the structure around them has evolved.