Anam Mirza on newfound love for pickleball, bond with ‘second mom' and elder sister Sania: ‘The self-belief she has…'
Pickleball, the latest sensation, just found a fan in Anam Mirza, fashion curator and younger sister of tennis champion Sania Mirza. Anam, an entrepreneur, runs multiple fashion labels, and recently partnered with Global Sports for Dubai Pickleball Open, where she was seen promoting the sport. Anam, 31, said while she was 'terrible at tennis' unlike elder sister and tennis legend Sania, pickleball seemed to be a 'perfect fit' for her.
'Associating with Global Sports Pickleball, kind of introducing the game in Dubai, and now having this tournament have been very exciting. I was obsessed with pickleball for a couple of months. My husband (Mohammad Asaduddin) and I were playing almost every other day, every other night, and it was really fun and for somebody like me, who has tried to play tennis but was terrible at it. Pickleball seems like a perfect fit,' said Anam.
Anam's husband is cricketer Mohammad Asaduddin, son of former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. She said being best of friends with your partner is quite essential for a healthy, loving relationship. 'When it comes to relationships, I've always wanted to be best of friends with my partner. With Asad, it's almost like I married my best friend and we're able to communicate with each other. We're also very comfortable having uncomfortable conversations,' said Anam.
She admitted that her 'family life is going great.' Her daughter Dua is two and a half years old and has just started going to school. 'We're getting used to that. We had episodes of her crying before she could make it to school so now she's just settling in,' said Anam.
A typical day in Anam's life starts at 6:30 AM. 'I finish a quick run, and then I get my daughter ready for school, drop her to school, finish a quick meeting around the school area, get a cup of coffee and it's time to pick her up,' she said, adding, 'I pick her up from school, I drop her home and that's when my work day properly actually begins. I spend the day at office, meetings, all of that before I wrap up around 5:30–6:00 PM,' said Anam.
A post shared by Anam Mirza (@anammirzaaa)
Anam also said that she then 'quickly' squeezes in a 45-minute workout session in the evening again with weights. 'Then I am back home to do my night routine with my daughter. So weekdays are pretty hectic and kind of streamlined,' she said.
While she thinks that ageing is 'inevitable,' as a woman, she feels there are many bodily changes that nobody prepares you enough for.
'When you're in your teens and your early 20s, you don't even realise that you are getting older. Like now, I just tapped into 30 and now I realise that, oh my god, my body is not like it used to be. I used to eat so much food and it never showed up but today I eat a little bit of food and it immediately shows up. So, you don't realise that your metabolism changes, you change,' said Anam.
According to her, it is essential to exercise. 'I didn't workout until a year and a half ago, but now that I do, I think that's changed my life. Ageing is inevitable but you can age gracefully with exercise being a non-negotiable factor,' said Anam.
A lot of people prefer comfort over fashion but the fashion entrepreneur believes the right choices come from stepping into uncomfortable zones, and 'doing things that I feel like you normally wouldn't'.
'I really stand by that when it comes to my own fashion choices. For me, it's always stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new and unexpectedly figuring out that it is a part of your fashion personality even when you don't think it is,' said Anam.
On her bond with Sania, who is eight years older, Anam shared that in her formative years, she considered Sania her second mom. 'When I was growing up, she was almost a second mom to me because we have a eight years difference. But I think as we grew up, we became best of friends. She's one of my best friends. I go to her for all my advices, everything, good, bad, ugly, small, big, everything needs to go to her. So, we're very close like that. Seeing her achieve what she's done, the self-belief that she has is something that I try to replicate in my life. She is pretty amazing,' said Anam.
A post shared by Anam Mirza (@anammirzaaa)
Anam said she is now trying to slow down the pace of her life.
'I think something I'm really actively trying to do right now is slow myself down, have a slower life, do more meaningful things, and do it at my own pace. So, I think that's what I would tell my younger self because my younger self was constantly chasing something or the other,' shared Anam.
Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
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Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Anam Mirza on newfound love for pickleball, bond with ‘second mom' and elder sister Sania: ‘The self-belief she has…'
Pickleball, the latest sensation, just found a fan in Anam Mirza, fashion curator and younger sister of tennis champion Sania Mirza. Anam, an entrepreneur, runs multiple fashion labels, and recently partnered with Global Sports for Dubai Pickleball Open, where she was seen promoting the sport. Anam, 31, said while she was 'terrible at tennis' unlike elder sister and tennis legend Sania, pickleball seemed to be a 'perfect fit' for her. 'Associating with Global Sports Pickleball, kind of introducing the game in Dubai, and now having this tournament have been very exciting. I was obsessed with pickleball for a couple of months. My husband (Mohammad Asaduddin) and I were playing almost every other day, every other night, and it was really fun and for somebody like me, who has tried to play tennis but was terrible at it. Pickleball seems like a perfect fit,' said Anam. Anam's husband is cricketer Mohammad Asaduddin, son of former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin. She said being best of friends with your partner is quite essential for a healthy, loving relationship. 'When it comes to relationships, I've always wanted to be best of friends with my partner. With Asad, it's almost like I married my best friend and we're able to communicate with each other. We're also very comfortable having uncomfortable conversations,' said Anam. She admitted that her 'family life is going great.' Her daughter Dua is two and a half years old and has just started going to school. 'We're getting used to that. We had episodes of her crying before she could make it to school so now she's just settling in,' said Anam. A typical day in Anam's life starts at 6:30 AM. 'I finish a quick run, and then I get my daughter ready for school, drop her to school, finish a quick meeting around the school area, get a cup of coffee and it's time to pick her up,' she said, adding, 'I pick her up from school, I drop her home and that's when my work day properly actually begins. I spend the day at office, meetings, all of that before I wrap up around 5:30–6:00 PM,' said Anam. A post shared by Anam Mirza (@anammirzaaa) Anam also said that she then 'quickly' squeezes in a 45-minute workout session in the evening again with weights. 'Then I am back home to do my night routine with my daughter. So weekdays are pretty hectic and kind of streamlined,' she said. While she thinks that ageing is 'inevitable,' as a woman, she feels there are many bodily changes that nobody prepares you enough for. 'When you're in your teens and your early 20s, you don't even realise that you are getting older. Like now, I just tapped into 30 and now I realise that, oh my god, my body is not like it used to be. I used to eat so much food and it never showed up but today I eat a little bit of food and it immediately shows up. So, you don't realise that your metabolism changes, you change,' said Anam. According to her, it is essential to exercise. 'I didn't workout until a year and a half ago, but now that I do, I think that's changed my life. Ageing is inevitable but you can age gracefully with exercise being a non-negotiable factor,' said Anam. A lot of people prefer comfort over fashion but the fashion entrepreneur believes the right choices come from stepping into uncomfortable zones, and 'doing things that I feel like you normally wouldn't'. 'I really stand by that when it comes to my own fashion choices. For me, it's always stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new and unexpectedly figuring out that it is a part of your fashion personality even when you don't think it is,' said Anam. On her bond with Sania, who is eight years older, Anam shared that in her formative years, she considered Sania her second mom. 'When I was growing up, she was almost a second mom to me because we have a eight years difference. But I think as we grew up, we became best of friends. She's one of my best friends. I go to her for all my advices, everything, good, bad, ugly, small, big, everything needs to go to her. So, we're very close like that. Seeing her achieve what she's done, the self-belief that she has is something that I try to replicate in my life. She is pretty amazing,' said Anam. A post shared by Anam Mirza (@anammirzaaa) Anam said she is now trying to slow down the pace of her life. 'I think something I'm really actively trying to do right now is slow myself down, have a slower life, do more meaningful things, and do it at my own pace. So, I think that's what I would tell my younger self because my younger self was constantly chasing something or the other,' shared Anam. Jayashree Narayanan writes on fitness, health, aviation safety, food, culture and everything lifestyle. She is an alumnus of AJKMCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia and Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi ... Read More
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Lung transplant patient treks to life's peak
Vadodara: Just a year ago, , a stockbroker, could barely take a few steps or complete a sentence. He was battling , a serious lung condition triggered by prolonged exposure to bird droppings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But today, the 48-year-old has not only trekked up Chotila mountain in Surendranagar but also hiked up the Pavagadh hill near Vadodara, both accomplished within a year of undergoing a life-saving surgery. "My family and friends advised me against it, worried about the risks of putting my body through such physical stress so soon after the transplant," Anam told TOI. "Doctors had cautioned me to avoid even crowded places. But I was determined. I had confidence that I could scale the mountain." In the first week of April, Anam, accompanied by his wife and twin sons Priyansh and Pranshu, set out to climb Chotila. "I climbed slowly, as the path has hundreds of stairs, but I made it to the top, to the temple located at around 1,200 ft. It truly felt like a rebirth. A few days later, I trekked a stretch at Pavagadh too," said Anam, who is now preparing for a trek in the mountains of Uttarakhand. Anam's struggle began back in 2015, when he developed a persistent cough. Doctors initially suspected an allergy and prescribed medications. But by 2020, the coughing had worsened. He consulted Dr Neel Thakkar, a senior pulmonary and critical care specialist in Vadodara. Following a series of tests, Anam was diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a lung condition commonly caused by exposure to bird droppings, especially pigeons. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Forced to seek advanced care, Anam moved to Pune, where Dr Sandeep Attawar performed the lung transplant that saved his life. "It's all about self-belief and discipline. I didn't let negative thoughts enter my mind. I followed a strict post-surgery routine including regular physiotherapy, a controlled diet, and complete mental focus," Amit Anam said. Finances posed another hurdle. Anam couldn't afford the expensive surgery. It was the generosity of his friends — who raised the required funds through crowdfunding — that made the transplant possible. "To see someone who once struggled to breathe climbing a mountain within a year of surgery is nothing short of remarkable," said Dr Thakkar. "Most patients wouldn't even attempt such physical strain post-transplant. But Anam's spirit was indomitable." Dr Thakkar also highlighted the broader health implications. "According to the Indian Interstitial Lung Diseases Registry, over 47.3% of new ILD cases in India are due to hypersensitivity pneumonitis, with common triggers including bird droppings, cooling appliances, and visible mould," he noted.
India Today
09-05-2025
- India Today
Can't break up? A therapist might help you do it right
When Anam, a Delhi-based PhD student, started taking therapy, she did not know her therapist would help her enable a break-up.'Fixing my relationship wasn't the reason I started therapy. But of course, the toxic cycle of constantly breaking up and getting back together with my boyfriend of six years was affecting me in more ways than I could comprehend. Every time we called it quits, one of us would end up initiating a reconciliation, and we'd give our relationship 'one more chance.' It became a pattern,' Anam shares.'A few months into therapy, my therapist began helping me strategise my exit from that cycle. She encouraged me to have difficult conversations with him and guided me on how to navigate those moments, rather than impulsively deciding to break up over a heated phone call. It took a few weeks, but eventually, my former partner and I did break up. It was difficult — but ultimately good for both of us. We haven't spoken in the last four months,' she ending the relationship wasn't Anam's initial reason for seeking therapy, many young couples today are turning to relationship experts and therapists for support with separations. Break-ups can be particularly tricky — especially when one person wants out and the other doesn't. Then there are long-term relationships that persist simply because the couple has been together for 'so long,' and the idea of starting over feels the thought of having that difficult break-up conversation leaves you jittery — or the fear of your partner's reaction makes you break into a sweat — reaching out to a therapist can provide much-needed support. Especially when you intend to be kind and make separation less hurtful for your Ruuh, a Delhi-based relationship expert, tells India Today that she gets clients like that all the time who want to feel supported through the break-up.'Mostly, it is the fear of confrontation, feeling overwhelmed by difficult decisions or complex circumstances like shared assets that make navigating the process daunting,' shares desire to end relationships kindly, along with easier access to therapy and its growing normalisation, can be credited for the rise in people seeking professional support during such say it is mostly women who reach out for such support.'I've seen this trend that plenty of women actually reach out for help in breaking up with their partners, whether it's a marriage or a romantic relationship. I see more women trying to seek help for the same,' shares Absy Sam, a counselling psychologist from adds that, according to research, women tend to seek emotional support more — whether from friends, social networks or therapy.'Men, on the other hand, are more likely to resort to distraction. If you look at the percentage of people who seek help after a break-up or separation, it's relatively higher among women,' Sam believe this is often because women want to handle the process with as much care and affection as possible.'Even if they've been in abusive relationships, many women prefer to break down the process rather than deliver a massive shock all at once,' says who are anxious by nature or tend to overanalyse aspects of their relationships may also reach out to professionals for help with separation. They often come in saying things like, 'Am I doing this right?' or 'Is this the right decision?' They seek validation, trying to determine whether their plan is logical and emotionally therapists help with a break-upWhen someone reaches out to a therapist before finalising a break-up, the support is not limited to deciding whether to stay or leave. Therapists can help navigate the emotional, mental and interpersonal complexities of ending a relationship, especially when feelings of guilt, confusion and even fear layer the explains that one of the key benefits of involving a therapist early in the process is help with emotional regulation. A therapist can guide clients in managing intense feelings like guilt, anger or fear that might arise while contemplating or initiating a break-up.'They might help in articulating reasons clearly, thus ensuring a respectful dialogue, transforming a potentially messy situation into a more dignified one,' she also help create a communication strategy — supporting clients in expressing their thoughts.'Engaging an expert often involves strategic planning, such as choosing the right time and setting for the break-up, crafting empathetic messages, setting post-break-up boundaries. For toxic relationships, coaches might create an 'exit plan' with progressive steps, empowering clients to exit confidently while minimising harm,' shares this calculated approach can feel overly manipulative to some, particularly if the other partner senses a scripted isn't only about the moment of separation but about what follows, notes, therapy takes a holistic perspective, addressing not only the current relationship but also how its end may affect the client's future and their relationships with othersIn therapy, clients also explore their coping mechanisms. While some may resort to substances or emotional shutdown, therapists help redirect them to healthier support can begin at any stage — whether someone is just considering a break-up or already in the middle of one — but it doesn't end quickly.'It's not a one-day or one-month process,' Sam says, 'the impact runs deep.'A therapist also helps deal with shame and regret associated with initiating a break-up, ensuring that the transition is handled with care and said, those on the receiving end of a break-up can also benefit from therapy by processing grief and coming to terms with the sudden emotional Watch advertisement
