Updated on February 22, 2026
Shikhar Dhawan First Wife: Shikhar Dhawan, fondly called “Gabbar” by fans for his explosive batting and iconic mustache, has always been a favorite in Indian cricket. But beyond the boundaries, his personal life—especially his first marriage—has grabbed headlines for years. From a dreamy cross-continental romance to a painful divorce, Shikhar’s journey with his first wife, Aesha Mukerji (also spelled Ayesha Mukherjee), has been anything but ordinary. Let’s dive into the details of this high-profile relationship, what went wrong, and where things stand today.
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How Shikhar Dhawan Met and Married Aesha Mukerji
It all started on social media back in the late 2000s. Shikhar, then a rising cricketer, connected with Aesha Mukerji, a Melbourne-based fitness enthusiast and trained kickboxer. Aesha, born in West Bengal to an Anglo-Indian family on August 27, 1975, was about 10 years older than Shikhar (born December 5, 1985). Despite the age gap, their chemistry clicked instantly.
- They got engaged in 2008 after meeting online.
- The couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony in October 2012.
- Aesha was previously married to an Australian businessman (details private) and had two daughters, Rhea and Aliyah, whom Shikhar happily adopted and embraced as his own.
In December 2014, they welcomed their son, Zoravar Dhawan, completing what looked like a perfect blended family. Shikhar often shared heartwarming posts about fatherhood and family life, showing his caring side off the field.
The Challenges That Led to Their Separation
What seemed like a fairy-tale love story began facing cracks around 2020. The main issues stemmed from lifestyle differences and long-distance strains. Aesha preferred staying in Australia with the children, while Shikhar’s career kept him rooted in India.
Key points of contention included:
- Aesha’s initial promise to relocate to India, which didn’t happen.
- Allegations of pressure on Shikhar regarding property ownership in Australia.
- Prolonged separation from his son Zoravar, causing emotional distress.
These differences escalated, leading to their separation in 2021 after nearly nine years of marriage. The once-private matter turned public with legal filings and media buzz.
The Divorce: Grounds, Court Verdict, and Aftermath
In a much-talked-about case, a Delhi family court granted Shikhar divorce from Aesha Mukerji in October 2023. The primary ground was mental cruelty, as ruled by Judge Harish Kumar. The court noted that Aesha did not effectively contest the claims, and Shikhar had endured significant mental agony, including limited access to his son.
Financial disputes also surfaced in reports:
- Aesha reportedly demanded substantial alimony (around AUD 2.5 million, or roughly ₹13 crore at the time).
- Claims over property transfers and custody of Zoravar.
Shikhar was granted visitation rights and video call access to Zoravar (who lives in Australia with Aesha), but full custody wasn’t awarded. Aesha, now a Melbourne-based entrepreneur, co-founder of the B.Human Movement, focuses on coaching, mentorship, and somatic practices. Her social media is private, but she occasionally shares insights on emotional well-being.
Here’s a quick overview in table form:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | October 2012 |
| Divorce Finalized | October 2023 |
| Ground for Divorce | Mental cruelty |
| Children | Zoravar (son, born 2014); Rhea & Aliyah (stepdaughters, adopted by Shikhar) |
| Aesha’s Background | Kickboxer, fitness expert, entrepreneur (Melbourne-based) |
| Key Court Notes | Prolonged separation from son; unmet relocation promise |
| Current Custody | Zoravar with Aesha; Shikhar has visitation rights |
Shikhar Dhawan’s Life Today and Moving Forward
Fast-forward to 2026, and Shikhar has turned the page. After retiring from international cricket in 2024, he embraced new beginnings. In May 2025, he went public with his relationship with Sophie Shine, an Irish product consultant and influencer based in the UAE. The couple got engaged in January 2026 and recently tied the knot in a dreamy private ceremony in Delhi NCR, complete with traditional rituals like sangeet, mehendi, and haldi. Fans have loved seeing Shikhar happy again, with posts from the festivities going viral.
Shikhar remains a devoted father, though distance makes it challenging. He often speaks about resilience, family values, and personal growth. His story reminds us that even celebrities face real-life struggles, but with time, healing and new chapters are possible.
In the end, Shikhar Dhawan’s first marriage to Aesha Mukerji was a mix of love, challenges, and lessons. It showed the complexities of cross-cultural unions, age gaps, and balancing fame with family. Today, as he starts fresh, fans wish him nothing but joy and peace. After all, life’s biggest innings are played beyond the cricket field. What do you think about his journey? Share your thoughts below!