Shikhar Dhawan, one of India cricket’s most celebrated batters, has made his relationship with Sophie Shine official after months of speculation.
Dhawan, who divorced Aesha Mukherjee in 2023 after 11 years of marriage, had kept his relationship under wraps until Sophie confirmed it via an Instagram post earlier this year. Speaking together for the first time in a promotional video for a skincare brand, the couple opened up about how they met and their first impressions.
Recalling their first meeting, Dhawan shared, “We met at a restaurant in Dubai and it was a great feeling. Sophie was wearing camouflage trousers and jacket. She was looking very beautiful.” When Sophie was asked what led to her attraction towards Dhawan when she saw him for the first time, she said, “Definitely, his beautiful face. He had very mischievous eyes.”
According to reports, the two were first spotted together at airports, and later at the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai, where Dhawan was serving as the tournament’s brand ambassador.
Since then, Sophie has accompanied the former cricketer to several IPL matches and lives with him in India. A professional product consultant, Sophie Shine was born in Ireland, holds a degree in marketing and management, and works as the second vice president at Northern Trust Corporation in Abu Dhabi.
So, when someone begins a new relationship after a divorce, what emotional adjustments and social dynamics typically come into play?
Jai Arora, counselling psychologist and co-founder of Kirana Counselling, tells indianexpress.com, “Starting over after a divorce often means carrying forward both hope and hesitation. This gets more intense for public personalities, as comparisons and criticisms begin instantaneously.”
Emotionally, he adds that individuals may struggle with trust issues, fear of repeating past patterns, or guilt, especially if children are involved. There’s also a process of redefining one’s identity outside the previous marriage. “But a fresh relationship also brings a chance for healing, allowing one to apply lessons learned, communicate more openly, and create healthier emotional boundaries,” he states.
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How important are first impressions in attraction?
First impressions often act as the initial spark. Arora notes, “Physical attraction can trigger curiosity and a desire to know someone better. While looks may not sustain a long-term relationship, they can set the tone for early chemistry.”
Interestingly, he notes that these “initial perceptions” often become part of a couple’s shared narrative, deepening emotional bonding. But lasting connections grow stronger through emotional intimacy, shared values, and mutual support rather than appearance alone.
