Actor-turned-cricketer Yograj Singh has often been criticized for his patriarchal behavior, which he loves to gaslight as "strict rules." Even though he sounds pretty proud of such odd "rules," he acknowledges that his ways have stained his personal relationships. In a recent interview, Yograj disclosed his unusual disciplinary measures regarding his first wife, Shabnam, explaining that these rules were intended to shape their son, Yuvraj Singh, into a top-tier cricketer. In the candid interview, Yograj recounted,
“I set strict rules for my wife. She couldn't leave the house without my permission. Her family couldn't enter my house, and even if they did, they couldn't offer any advice. When I had my son, I told my mother that I would ignite the fire of making him a great cricketer.”
Yograj admitted that his rigid approach estranged him from his family and drew criticism from many who viewed his methods as extreme. He further elaborated that his strictness was not merely for control but also as a way to address personal grievances, including disputes with Kapil Dev. He said,
“I've built myself to be as tough as steel. Yes, I had tears in my eyes when my mother passed away. That day, I became an orphan. When Yuvraj and his mother left me, I still felt emotional, but I controlled myself."
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Family Life, Divorce, and Later Years
Earlier, in another interview, Yograj Singh acknowledged that his marriage with Shabnam was affected by conflicting ambitions. Yograj reportedly wanted her to be a homemaker, whereas Shabnam sought to develop her own identity. This clash led to their divorce, though he later described the separation as a learning moment. He had admitted,
“It is unfortunate that I am a patriarchal man who thinks that a woman's place is at home only."
Well, Yuvraj often credits his mother for his success. Post-divorce, Shabnam emerged as a philanthropist and now chairs the Yuvraj Singh Foundation. Yograj remarried Neena Bundhel, an actress who took the name Satbir Kaur. Together, they have two children, Victor Singh and Amarjot Kaur.
Despite past tensions, Yograj maintains a cordial relationship with both his ex-wife and their sons, Yuvraj and Zoravar, fostering a blended family environment.
