Nicholai Sachdev may not be a household name like many celebrities, but his journey bridges the realms of contemporary art, entrepreneurship and sport in unique ways. As a partner in his family’s gallery business in Mumbai and a committed power‑lifter in his personal life, he offers a blend of aesthetic vision and physical discipline.
His recent marriage into the film industry has also brought him into the limelight. This article explores his biography, career path, personal life and what makes him stand out.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholai Sachdev (also referenced as Arunov Nicholai Sachdev) |
| Approximate Year of Birth | 1983 (estimated) |
| Age (2025) | ~ 42 years old |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Art gallerist, entrepreneur, power‑lifter |
| Family Business | Gallery 7 (Mumbai) |
| Height | ~ 6′ 6″ (198 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married (second marriage) |
| Children | Daughter named Kasha (from first marriage) |
Early Life & Family Background

Nicholai was born and raised in Mumbai into a family embedded in the world of modern and contemporary art. His parents, Arun and Chandra Sachdev, founded Gallery 7, a prominent venue for Indian contemporary art in Mumbai’s cultural zone. From a young age, Nicholai had exposure to art‑world networks and the operations of a gallery, which shaped his eventual path in business and culture.
Art Career & Business Ventures
Gallery 7 and Heritage
Gallery 7 was initiated by his parents and later became co‑led by Nicholai. Under the family brand, the gallery has featured some of India’s major contemporary artists and evolved into an institution in Mumbai’s art scene. Nicholai’s role has involved managing operations, scouting talent, expanding reach and maintaining the gallery’s standing among high‑end collectors and art aficionados.
Entrepreneurship & Expansion
Beyond mere curation, Nicholai also assumes the role of entrepreneur: he has reportedly explored branching the gallery into newer geographies and strengthening its business infrastructure. His combination of aesthetic insight and business strategy has contributed to the gallery’s sustained relevance in a competitive sector.
Power‑Lifting, Fitness & Personal Branding
An unusual attribute for an art‑world figure, Nicholai is also a certified power‑lifter and fitness enthusiast. Reports indicate that he competes in open championship events, with medals in bench‑press and dead‑lift categories. His height (reported around 6′6″) and physical presence complement his public persona. Additionally, his aesthetic‑leaning lifestyle includes tattoos, gym routines and fitness mentorship, which distinguishes him in the art‑gallerist world as someone with dual passions: culture and physical discipline.
Personal Life & Relationships

First Marriage & Family
Nicholai’s first marriage was to a model/fitness instructor named Kavita (married in approximately 2006). Together they had a daughter, Kasha. The marriage reportedly ended in 2019 after around 13 years. Nicholai has been involved in training his daughter in power‑lifting, with her reportedly achieving success in the sport.
Marriage to Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
In 2024, Nicholai married Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in a wedding held in Thailand. Prior to marriage, the couple had been friends for approximately 14 years.
At a press conference, Nicholai made headlines by stating that he and his daughter would take the Sarathkumar name to honour his wife’s family legacy, reflecting a modern approach to familial identity and naming. He also stated that while his wife Expects to continue her cinema career, he would support her without expecting primacy.
Public Persona & Media Image
Nicholai enjoys a somewhat low‑profile yet intriguing public persona. He is occasionally referenced in lifestyle and entertainment pages due to his marriage, fitness activities and art‑world connections. Unlike many celebrity spouses, he emphasizes his own career rather than relying solely on the spouse’s fame.
His striking combination of art‑dealer sophistication, fitness lifestyle and social visibility has made him a subject of curiosity. Moreover, his decision to intentionally adopt his spouse’s surname (or adjust naming) has generated discussion around changing norms in Indian marriage traditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nicholai Sachdev?
Nicholai Sachdev is an Indian art‑gallerist, entrepreneur and power‑lifting competitor, known for his leadership of Gallery 7 in Mumbai and his marriage to actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar.
What business does he run?
He is involved with Gallery 7, a premium contemporary art gallery in Mumbai founded by his parents, through which he curates exhibitions, manages collection‑relations and directs business strategy.
What is his fitness background?
He competes in power‑lifting events, has won medals in bench‑press/dead‑lift championships, and also trains athletes including his daughter.
Is he married?
Yes. His first marriage ended in 2019; he married actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in 2024.
Why did his name come into the spotlight?
His marriage to Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, an established actress; his unusual height and fitness profile for an art‑dealer; and his progressive naming choice (adopting spouse’s legacy surname) all helped raise his public profile.
Conclusion
Nicholai Sachdev is a compelling example of a modern, multi‑faceted professional: a thinker and curator in the art world, a disciplined athlete in his personal life, and a figure navigating family and public identity in evolving ways. His journey from inheriting an art‑world legacy to forging his own path in fitness and entrepreneurship underscores the value of blending culture, business and personal passion. As he continues to build his profile and support his spouse’s career while growing his own ventures, Nicholai Sachdev embodies a contemporary story of ambition, reinvention and personal branding.