Who is Naureen? The Story of Mohammad Azharuddin’s First Wife and Her Life Beyond Divorce
New Delhi, June 18, 2025 — Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin's personal life has often made headlines alongside his cricketing legacy. While much attention has been given to his high-profile marriage with actress Sangeeta Bijlani, less is publicly known about his first wife, Naureen.
Married to Azharuddin in 1987, Naureen was just 16 when she entered a life under the national spotlight. Though largely away from media attention, Naureen’s life story is one of resilience and quiet dignity—marked by early motherhood, public betrayal, and personal reinvention.
A Young Marriage Amid Rising Stardom
Naureen married Azharuddin at a time when the cricketer was already an established figure in Indian cricket. Coming from a conservative background, Naureen was only 16 years old when they tied the knot. Described by those close to the family as supportive, reserved, and committed, Naureen preferred staying out of the limelight and focused on her family.
The couple had two sons:
- Mohammad Asaduddin, who went on to pursue cricket
- Mohammad Ayazuddin, who tragically died in a road accident in 2011 at the age of 19
Naureen was widely regarded as a devoted wife and doting mother throughout her nine-year marriage.
Infidelity and Divorce in 1996
The marriage came under public strain in the mid-1990s when Azharuddin was linked romantically to Bollywood actress Sangeeta Bijlani. The growing closeness between the cricketer and the actress eventually led to Naureen and Azharuddin’s divorce in 1996.
Though she rarely spoke to the media, reports suggested that Naureen endured her husband’s affair with quiet dignity. She chose to stay away from controversies and media appearances during and after the divorce.
Life After Azharuddin: Remarriage and Family
Post-divorce, Naureen moved away from the public eye and began rebuilding her life. According to media reports:
- She later married a Canadian real estate businessman, but the relationship did not gain much public attention.
- In a subsequent phase of her life, she reportedly married a Muslim community leader in London, with whom she had a third son.
- Recently, reports indicate that Naureen has married for the third time, again to a businessman in London. Her son from this marriage is considered a step-brother to Mohammad Asaduddin.
Despite multiple personal changes, Naureen has continued to maintain a low profile, choosing privacy over publicity.
Onscreen Portrayal in the Biopic Azhar
Naureen’s story was partially portrayed in the 2016 Bollywood biopic Azhar, which was based on the life of Mohammad Azharuddin. Actress Prachi Desai played Naureen’s role.
In interviews, Prachi Desai described meeting Naureen as “an emotional experience.” She expressed deep respect for Naureen’s strength and quiet grace, especially during the most challenging years of her life.
Mohammad Azharuddin After the Divorce
After his divorce from Naureen, Azharuddin married Sangeeta Bijlani in 1996. Their marriage too ended in divorce in 2010, after 14 years together.
Azharuddin’s life saw ups and downs following his cricketing career, including a match-fixing ban, political engagement, and a return to public life as a commentator and administrator. He continues to be a notable figure in Indian cricket.
Meanwhile, his son Asaduddin, from his first marriage with Naureen, pursued a career in professional cricket and also made headlines for his relationship with model and former Miss India, Anam Mirza, the sister of tennis star Sania Mirza.
Naureen’s journey is a reminder of the quiet strength of women who endure emotional and personal upheaval in the shadow of public figures. While she may not have sought fame, her story has found a place in public consciousness through her onscreen portrayal and continued curiosity about her life post-divorce.
Though often labeled only as “Azharuddin’s ex-wife,” Naureen’s identity goes beyond that—as a mother who raised two sons under difficult circumstances, a woman who rebuilt her life privately, and someone who chose resilience over drama.