When the name Nicholai Sachdev comes up, it evokes a rare blend of art‑world vision and physical discipline. Based in Mumbai, he is known for his leadership of the renowned gallery, his competitive power‑lifting, and his recent marriage into the world of film‑industry renown. This article offers a comprehensive look at his biography, career, family life, interests and what lies ahead — laid out with clarity and depth.
Biodata Table
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholai Sachdev (also recorded as Arunov Nicholai Sachdev) |
| Date of Birth | Around 1983 (various sources list year as 1983) |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approximately 42 years |
| Place of Birth | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | About 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Profession | Art gallerist, entrepreneur, competitive powerlifter |
| Gallery | Owns and operates the gallery “Gallery 7 in Mumbai |
| Parentage | Father: Arun Sachdev; Mother: Chandra Sachdev (both art‑world figures) |
| Children | Daughter: Kasha Sachdev (from his first marriage) |
| Marital Status | Married to Varalaxmi Sarathkumar (Indian actress) |
| Major Interests | Contemporary art collecting & promotion; power‑lifting & fitness; tattoos |
Family Background & Early Life

Nicholai was born into a family already embedded in the Indian art scene. His father Arun and mother Chandra had founded Gallery 7 and had long supported emerging artists in Mumbai. The environment he grew up in provided exposure to art collecting, curatorial work and the business side of cultural enterprise. From an early age, he reportedly developed a fascination with art and the aesthetics of modernism.
Growing up in Mumbai, he spent considerable time around galleries, auctions and creative networks. The fact that he now co‑leads the gallery suggests his formative years laid the groundwork for his later business and curatorial initiatives.
Education & Formative Years
While exact details vary, Nicholai appears to have completed schooling in Mumbai and further education in management or related studies. His training in the family business allowed him to combine art‑world sensibility with commercial acumen. Over time he moved from being a participant in the enterprise to assuming leadership roles within the gallery.
His youth in the gallery environment also gave him a unique vantage point: seeing both the creative side (artists, exhibitions) and the practical side (gallery operations, market‑making). This dual insight likely helped him later when shaping Gallery 7’s direction.
Career in the Art World
Nicholai’s primary professional identity is tied to Gallery 7 — a well‑established contemporary art gallery in Mumbai. Under his and his family’s stewardship, the gallery has become a landmark space for Indian contemporary art. The gallery originally launched decades earlier by his parents has been extended and re‑imagined with his input, helping bring younger artists into focus and enhancing the gallery’s standing both in India and abroad.
His role has included spotting talent, facilitating exhibitions, managing relationships with collectors and expanding the gallery’s footprint. He has also actively driven efforts to make the gallery reflect modern tastes while honoring the more established canon of Indian art.
Fitness, Power‑Lifting & Personal Interests

Beyond art, Nicholai has developed a strong identity in the fitness world. He is known to be a competitive powerlifter, has participated in national‑level competitions, and frequently is described as focused on physical discipline. His height (around 6 ft 6) and muscular build support his athletic pursuits.
He also has visible tattoos and a personal style that blends art‑world aesthetics with gym‑culture sensibility. His daughter Kasha is also trained in powerlifting under his guidance, indicating his interest in mentoring and coaching young athletic talent as well.
Personal Life & Relationships
Nicholai’s personal life has attracted media attention, particularly due to his relationship with actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. They reportedly knew each other for many years before their engagement and eventual marriage. His earlier marriage (to model/fitness‑instructor Kavita) resulted in a daughter, Kasha; that marriage ended and Nicholai later remarried.
The union with Varalaxmi brought him into a new spotlight given her film‑industry prominence. The couple opted for a wedding that included both Hindu and Christian elements, reflecting cross‑cultural or multi‑celebration style. Nicholai publicly stated at a media event that his daughter and he would take Varalaxmi’s name as part of honoring her legacy, signalling their shared values and modern view of family identity.
Public Image, Challenges & Media Reception
Nicholai maintains a relatively low media profile compared to many public figures, but whenever he has appeared, his strong physique, tattoos, and art‑world credentials have stood out. His second marriage and the age/difference dynamics stirred commentary in media circles. He has also spoken openly about his support for his wife’s career and the idea that her first “love” is cinema, to which he stands in admiration and respect.
At the same time, as a gallery‑owner and athlete, he faces the dual challenge of balancing creative credibility with commercial success, while managing public perceptions about lifestyle, image and privacy. His blending of art‑world elegance with gym‑culture grit gives his public image an interesting complexity.
What Lies Ahead: Future Plans & Ambitions
Looking into the future, Nicholai appears to be poised to build on multiple fronts. In the art domain, expanding Gallery 7 into new spaces or cities and promoting Indian contemporary art internationally seems plausible. On the athletic front, perhaps increasing his coaching or mentoring role in power‑lifting is likely. His role as father, husband and public figure suggest he may also engage in wider ventures—perhaps philanthropic, educational or crossover between art and fitness.
Given his multi‑faceted identity, one could expect Nicholai to increasingly merge his passions: art exhibitions with fitness‑themes, gallery events with performance or experiential design, or creative collaborations linking gym culture and fine art aesthetics.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Nicholai Sachdev known for?
Nicholai Sachdev is primarily known for being a Mumbai‑based art gallerist who runs Gallery 7, as well as being a competitive powerlifter and public figure through his high‑profile marriage.
How old is Nicholai Sachdev?
He was born around 1983, which makes him approximately 42 years old in 2025.
What is his professional background?
Nicholai manages and operates a major contemporary art gallery, identifies and promotes emerging artists, and has a strong interest and record in competitive power‑lifting and fitness.
Who is his wife?
His wife is actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, with whom he got married after many years of friendship and engagement.
Does he have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Kasha Sachdev from his earlier marriage. He is actively involved in her training and mentoring.
Conclusion
In summary, Nicholai Sachdev represents a compelling blend of worlds — the cultured, quiet realm of high‑end art galleries and the disciplined, visceral world of competitive strength sports. He has grown from a child raised in an art‑oriented family to a leader in his field, while cultivating a rich personal life and stepping into broader limelight through his marriage and public persona. Watching his next moves—gallery expansions, athletic mentoring, and creative collaborations—should be fascinating.
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