Former cricketer Shikhar Dhawan recently tied the knot with his long-time girlfriend Sophie Shine in a private ceremony in Delhi-NCR on February 21, 2026. But, looks like his joy soon turned sour when some fake quotes attributed to him about his ex-wife Aesha Mukerji, showcased him in bad light. The 40-year-old former-cricketer was quick to shut the fake news, urging fans to spread love, not lies. Here’s what really happened:
Shikhar Dhawan’s reacts to fake narratives about him and his ex-wife
On February 23, Shikhar hit back via Instagram stories as he issued a statement which read: “I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past be it on the pitch or outside. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past.”He called his life with Sophie a “new chapter,” thanking fans, family, friends, well-wishers, and media for the blessings. “This is a new chapter in my life, and I truly feel grateful for the love and blessings I have received from my fans, friends, family, well wishers and media. I strongly urge people to not breed off my name with click bait, insensitive and false statements on social media. Let’s spread love and positivity. Thank you!,” he further wrote.His classy clapback won hearts – no drama, just dignity and positivity.
What is the the viral fake quote drama
For the unversed, the troublemaker was a bogus statement claiming that Shikhar said of Aesha in an interview, “When my first wife left me, she had said that ‘No girl would marry you’, but I have given her a befitting reply by marrying again, will you not congratulate me on my marriage?” It statement spread like wildfire on social media, dragging not just Shikhar but also his ex-wife into the controversy, especially at a time when he just got married to Sophie. Fans called foul, and Shikhar’s denial confirmed it was pure fabrication amid his wedding buzz.
Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan for earlier married to Aesha Mukerji, with whom he had a son Zoravar. While it was Aesha’s second marriage (she was earlier married to an Australian businessman and had two daughters with him), it was Shikhar’s first. However, their roughly 10 years long marriage couldn’t survive the test of time and the duo got divorced in 2023. Now, roughly two years later, Shikhar has moved on and finally found love again. The cricketer recently confirmed his new relationship with girlfriend Sophie Shine, who works as a Product Consultant and is from Ireland. As per reports, she works as the Second Vice President at Northern Trust Corporation and is based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.Photo: Sophie Shine/Instagram
Flashback: Shikhar and Aesha’s journey
Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan with estranged wife Aesha Mukerji.
Shikhar met kickboxer Aesha Mukerji through Facebook, and he was the one who sent her a friend request first. Their friendship soon turned into love, and in October 2012, Shikhar married Aesha. It was his first marriage and her second (after an Australian businessman, with whom she has daughters Rhea and Aliyah). They welcomed their son Zoravar in 2014. But by 2020, troubles began brewing in their marriage, leading to their separation in September 2021.Post-split, Aesha returned to Australia with Zoravar, limiting Shikhar’s access to her and their son. In a poignant 2024 Humans of Bombay interview, he shared the heartbreak of not being in touch with his son Zoravar. “Wherever he is, I hope he is happy… I write messages to him every day… I miss him, I feel sad but I have learnt to live with it,” Shikhar shared. His detachment masked deep love – no pushing, just quiet hope for reunion.Since then, Shikhar has found love again in Sophie Shine. After dating for a few years, Shikhar and Sophie made their relationship official last year and recently got married in an intimate wedding ceremony.What do you think of Shikhar’s way of handling the situation? Was it fake news gone wild, or wedding envy? Share you views below!
