Sania Mirza Suffered Panic Attacks After Pak Cricketer Shoaib Malik Divorced Her For Sana Javed

In a candid and emotional revelation, Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza endured debilitating panic attacks following her divorce from former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik. The deeply personal struggle was brought to light by her close friend, celebrated Bollywood filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan.

The shocking detail emerged during a heart-to-heart conversation on Mirza's podcast, 'Serving It Up with Sania,' where the two friends reflected on life, single motherhood, and personal challenges.

The Darkest Hour: Shivering Before a Live Show

Filmmaker Farah Khan, known for her staunch friendship with the tennis star, shared the moment she witnessed Sania's 'lowest low.' "I never have seen you get a panic attack," Farah recalled. "I had to shoot that day, but I just left it and came there in my pyjamas and chappal."

Sania, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, confessed that Farah's presence was the only thing that allowed her to face the public.

Sania Mirza's Confession: "There was a moment that was one of the lowest moments when you showed up on my set, and I had to go on a live show after that. I was shivering. And if you had not come there, I wouldn't have done that show, you told me, 'No matter what, you are doing this show.'"

Praise for Single Motherhood

Farah Khan heaped praise on Sania for her fortitude in navigating single motherhood while managing her career, calling it the most difficult challenge.

Farah Khan's Perspective: "You are now a single mother. I think nothing is more difficult than being a single mom... I have seen you go through your worst, but since I know you, I have seen your highest high and your lowest low, and I think you have handled both of them equally well."

Mirza, a mother to her son Izhaan, admitted that the journey has been "very very hard," underscoring the necessity of making tough, but correct, decisions for a child's well-being.

A Highly-Publicised Split

The cross-border couple, Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik, confirmed the end of their 14-year marriage in January 2024, after months of speculation. The statement, issued by Mirza's sister, Anam, revealed they had been "living separately for several months" and that the divorce had been "finalized some time ago."

The announcement was swiftly followed by another major headline: Shoaib Malik tied the knot with Pakistani actor Sana Javed in a private Nikah ceremony on January 19, 2024, less than a year after their previous marriage was officially dissolved.

Normalisation of Separation

The friends also touched upon the changing societal views on divorce, particularly concerning its effect on children. Farah noted that while separation is "normalised" in today's world, a child is still inevitably affected. Sania stressed the importance of choosing a "better situation" for the child, even if it means separation, rather than faking happiness, as "the child understands."

The conversation provides a rare, unfiltered look into the personal turmoil faced by public figures like Sania Mirza, revealing the hidden struggles behind the facade of success.