Picture a six-foot-six art lover with a passion for powerlifting, tattoos, and breaking traditions—that’s Nicholai Sachdev in a nutshell. Born on March 23, 1983, in Mumbai, this 42-year-old entrepreneur has made waves as the director of Gallery 7, a prestigious contemporary art gallery. His recent marriage to South Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in July 2024 thrust him into the spotlight, but Nicholai’s story is far more than a celebrity love tale. From collecting art at age two to coaching young athletes, he’s a man of many passions.
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Nicholai Sachdev Stats Table |
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Full Name |
Arunov Nicholai Sachdev |
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Date of Birth |
March 23, 1983 |
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Age (2025) |
42 years |
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Hometown |
Mumbai, Maharashtra |
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Height |
6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) |
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Profession |
Art Gallerist, Powerlifter, Entrepreneur |
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Notable Venture |
Gallery 7, Mumbai |
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Spouse |
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar (m. 2024) |
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Children |
Kasha Sachdev (daughter, 16) |
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Estimated Net Worth |
~$10 million (unverified) |
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Social Media |
No verified public accounts |
Early Life: Growing Up in an Art-Filled World
Nicholai was born into a family where creativity was king. His parents, Arun and Chandra Sachdev, are renowned gallerists who founded Gallery 7 in Mumbai. As a toddler, Nicholai was already smitten with art, picking up his first painting—a subtle Gaitonde abstract—at just 16. “I was surrounded by canvases and colors,” he once shared, reflecting on his childhood in Mumbai’s vibrant art scene.
He studied at St. Michael’s Academy in Chennai and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delhi, followed by an MBA from the University of Edinburgh. This blend of art and business savvy set the stage for his future. Fun fact: young Nicholai was also a fitness buff, laying the groundwork for his powerlifting passion.
The Art of Success: Running Gallery 7
Nicholai’s career took off when he stepped into his parents’ shoes at Gallery 7, a Mumbai hotspot for contemporary art. Located in Kala Ghoda, the gallery has hosted works by India’s top artists and attracted celebrities like Allu Arjun, Mahesh Babu, and John Abraham. Nicholai’s vision elevated Gallery 7, showcasing Indian talent at international art fairs and earning him a reputation as a tastemaker in the art world.
“Art is my heartbeat,” Nicholai has said, and his knack for spotting talent has made Gallery 7 a go-to for collectors. Beyond art, he’s dabbled in payment technology startups, proving his entrepreneurial flair. Industry insider Priya Menon notes, “Nicholai’s ability to bridge traditional art with modern markets is unmatched. He’s a curator with a businessman’s mind.”
Table: Nicholai Sachdev’s Career Ventures
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Venture |
Role |
Impact |
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Gallery 7 |
Director |
Promotes Indian contemporary art globally |
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Payment Tech Startups |
Investor/Partner |
Expanded financial portfolio |
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Powerlifting Coaching |
Coach |
Mentors young athletes, including daughter Kasha |
Powerlifting Passion: Strength Beyond the Gallery
Nicholai isn’t just about brushstrokes—he’s a beast in the gym. A competitive powerlifter, he’s won medals at events like the 2021 Open Powerlifting Championship. His muscular 90-kg frame and 6’6” height make him a standout in the sport. Nicholai also coaches young athletes, including his daughter Kasha, a gold-medal-winning powerlifter at just 16.
“Powerlifting taught me discipline,” Nicholai shared in a rare interview. His dedication to fitness, paired with his bold tattoos and piercings, gives him an edgy vibe that fans adore. Fitness expert Rohan Desai says, “Nicholai’s dual focus on art and athletics is rare. He inspires athletes to think beyond the gym.”
Love and Legacy: Nicholai and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
Nicholai’s personal life grabbed headlines in 2024 when he married Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, a Tamil cinema star known for HanuMan and Vikram Vedha. Their love story began 14 years ago as friends, blossoming into romance after Nicholai’s divorce from his first wife, Kavita, in 2019. The couple’s July 2024 wedding in Thailand was a star-studded affair, attended by Rajinikanth, AR Rahman, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin.
In a bold move, Nicholai announced he and his daughter Kasha would adopt Varalaxmi’s surname, becoming Nicholai Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Sachdev. “I want her legacy to live on,” he said at a Chennai press conference, flipping traditional naming norms. Varalaxmi defended their choice, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with marrying twice if you’re happy.” Their story is a modern tale of love and equality.
Table: Nicholai Sachdev’s Relationship Timeline
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Event |
Year |
Details |
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First Marriage (Kavita) |
2006 |
Married model/fitness trainer; daughter Kasha born |
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Divorce from Kavita |
2019 |
Ended due to irreconcilable differences |
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Engagement to Varalaxmi |
2024 |
Proposed in Norway; married July 2024 |
Net Worth: How Much Is Nicholai Sachdev Worth?
Estimates peg Nicholai Sachdev’s net worth at around $10 million (₹83 crore) in 2025, though this figure is unverified. His wealth comes from Gallery 7, business ventures, and powerlifting sponsorships. He reportedly lives in a posh Mumbai home filled with art and owns several luxury cars, reflecting his high-flying lifestyle.
Table: Nicholai Sachdev’s Income Sources
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Source |
Estimated Contribution |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
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Gallery 7 |
70% |
Primary income from art sales |
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Business Ventures |
20% |
Investments in tech startups |
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Powerlifting/Sponsorships |
10% |
Coaching and competition earnings |
Controversies: Facing the Spotlight
Nicholai’s second marriage sparked online chatter, with some criticizing his decision to remarry. Varalaxmi clapped back, saying, “He’s handsome in my eyes.” His tattoos, piercings, and occasional drinking have also drawn media scrutiny, but Nicholai stays unfazed, keeping a low profile with no verified social media accounts.
Rumors of a past link with Bollywood actress Pooja Bhatt surfaced but remain unconfirmed. Nicholai’s focus remains on his work and family, steering clear of the gossip mill.
Career Highlights: Nicholai’s Top 5 Achievements
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Elevating Gallery 7: Transformed his parents’ gallery into a global platform for Indian contemporary art.
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Powerlifting Champion: Won medals at the 2021 Open Powerlifting Championship and other national events.
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Coaching Young Talent: Mentors his daughter Kasha and other athletes, fostering the next generation of powerlifters.
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Progressive Marriage Choice: Adopted Varalaxmi’s surname, challenging naming traditions in 2024.
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Celebrity Connections: Gallery 7 attracts stars like Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu, boosting its prestige.
Conclusion: Nicholai Sachdev’s Unique Journey
Nicholai Sachdev is a modern Renaissance man—part art curator, part powerlifter, and wholly dedicated to his passions. From running Gallery 7 to winning medals and redefining marriage norms with Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, he’s a trailblazer who blends creativity, strength, and love. His story inspires us to chase our dreams, lift heavy (literally and figuratively), and honor those we love in bold ways. As Nicholai continues to shape the art and fitness worlds, his legacy is just beginning.
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FAQs
1. What is Nicholai Sachdev’s profession?
Nicholai is an art gallerist, entrepreneur, and powerlifter, best known for running Gallery 7 in Mumbai.
2. Who is Nicholai Sachdev married to?
He is married to South Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar since July 2024.
3. What is Nicholai Sachdev’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is around $10 million, though this is unverified and based on his art gallery and business ventures.
4. How old is Nicholai Sachdev in 2025?
Nicholai is 42 years old, born on March 23, 1983.
5. Does Nicholai Sachdev have children?
Yes, he has a 16-year-old daughter, Kasha, from his first marriage to Kavita.
6. Why did Nicholai adopt Varalaxmi’s surname?
To honor her legacy, he and his daughter added “Sarathkumar” to their names, becoming Nicholai Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Sachdev.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from credible sources like news outlets, IMDb, and Wikipedia. Details such as net worth and personal life are estimates and require verification from primary sources. For the latest updates, consult official profiles or interviews.
