Safe for women: Robin Uthappa on why he moved to Dubai

Robin Uthappa

Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Robin Uthappa, who once admitted to having suicidal thoughts, has recently relocated to Dubai. In a candid interview with City Times, Uthappa shared his reasons for the move and opened up about his experiences with mental health, his new life in Dubai, and his career as a commentator.

After facing a barrage of questions about the ongoing T20 World Cup at a press conference, Uthappa found a private corner at an indoor sports facility in Al Quoz, Dubai, for an interview. Despite being slowed down by excited fans seeking selfies and handshakes, Uthappa remained all smiles. Whether these fans were loyal followers of Kolkata Knight Riders or Chennai Super Kings, the teams with which Uthappa won IPL titles, was unclear. However, his bright smile never disappeared as he engaged with them.

Settling into a couch for the chat, Uthappa discussed the challenges celebrities face when sharing their mental health issues publicly. He also explained why he decided to become a Dubai resident.

When asked why he chose to move to Dubai, Uthappa emphasized the importance of education and safety for his children and family. "We wanted a solid primary education and knowing how good Dubai is regarding education and safety, not just for kids but also for women, made it a no-brainer," Uthappa said. He noted that his frequent travel for work and participation in international leagues further justified the decision to relocate.

Uthappa shared that his family has been enjoying life in Dubai for the past 15-16 months. "They love it here. My son goes to Kings’ Al Barsha, and my daughter is in a playschool. We stayed through the summer last year to experience it fully, and it was fun. Dubai feels like home now," he said.

As a commentator for two Dubai radio stations, Talk 100.3 FM and Big 106.2, Uthappa finds the experience enjoyable and different from television broadcasting. He described radio commentary as a great preparation for television broadcasting, as it requires a detailed description of the play.

Highlighting Dubai's safety, Uthappa praised the city for standing out globally. He and his wife, former international tennis player Sheethal Goutham, appreciate the variety of sports activities promoted by the UAE government. "There is a lot of focus on different sports, and my son is currently involved in three sports. It’s incredible," Uthappa remarked. As a cricketer, he hopes for more organized cricket tournaments in the UAE, believing the country has the potential to become a leading cricket-playing nation.

The interview also touched on mental health, a topic Uthappa has openly discussed in the past. He acknowledged the challenges of revealing such personal struggles but emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health issues. "If the intention is noble and pure, it’s not difficult to express. I wanted to break the taboo associated with mental health issues because they are common, and shedding light on them makes them less intimidating," he explained.

Addressing the issue of social media trolls, Uthappa advised young athletes to find their own ways of coping. He praised Riyan Parag for overcoming social media abuse by focusing on his performance. "Everyone has their own way of dealing with it. Be yourself and do what works for you," he suggested.

When asked about Hardik Pandya, who faced online trolls and harassment from fans, Uthappa expressed empathy. He found it hard to watch a fellow cricketer endure such extreme criticism. "Everyone has the right to their opinion, but the level of criticism and trolling Hardik faced was inhumane," he said.

Robin Uthappa's move to Dubai highlights the city’s appeal in terms of education, safety, and quality of life. His candid discussion on mental health and social media challenges provides valuable insights for fans and fellow athletes alike.