In a recent revelation, filmmaker Farah Khan recounted an incident where she rushed to support her close friend, tennis star Sania Mirza, who was experiencing a panic attack. The incident occurred shortly after Mirza's divorce from Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, which was finalized in January 2024. Khan shared the details during a candid conversation on Mirza's YouTube show, "Serving It Up with Sania".

Mirza, known for her strength and composure, admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the emotional strain of juggling motherhood, her studies, and professional commitments following the divorce. She recalled a particularly difficult moment before a live show when she felt unable to cope. "I was shivering… If you hadn't come, I wouldn't have done that show," Mirza confessed to Khan during the show.

Khan, sensing her friend's distress, immediately rushed to Mirza's side. "I had never seen you have a panic attack. I got so scared," Khan said, describing how she left her own commitments and arrived at the set in her pajamas and slippers. Khan's quick and selfless act of support highlights the strong bond between the two friends. "She's one of the strongest women I know, but even the strongest break," Khan stated, acknowledging the immense pressure Mirza faced while maintaining a strong public image.

The revelation sheds light on the often-unseen mental and emotional challenges faced by public figures navigating personal crises. A statement released by Mirza's sister in January 2024 revealed that the couple had been living separately for months and requested privacy for the family. The divorce ended a high-profile marriage that had attracted significant media attention since the couple tied the knot in 2010.

Mental health experts explain that panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that can occur without warning. Symptoms can include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a feeling of choking or suffocation. Panic attacks often mimic physical emergencies due to the activation of the body's "fight-or-flight" response. While terrifying, experts emphasize that panic attacks are not physically dangerous and are treatable with therapy, medication, and healthy coping strategies.

The open discussion between Mirza and Khan has sparked conversations about mental health awareness, particularly for individuals experiencing emotional challenges or major life transitions.