Introduction
Nicholai Sachdev is a name that resonates across two very different worlds — the refined corridors of contemporary art and the raw discipline of competitive powerlifting. Based in Mumbai, Nicholai has carved out a unique identity as an art gallerist, entrepreneur, athlete, and family man. His journey — from growing up surrounded by art to lifting heavy weights on national stages, and eventually forming a high-profile alliance with a renowned film actress — reflects a life of contrasts and convergence.
In this article, we explore the many dimensions of Nicholai’s life: his background, career, personal evolution, and what makes him stand out in today’s fast-moving world.
Early Life, Family Background & Education
Nicholai was born and raised in Mumbai, India, into a family deeply rooted in the arts. His parents — Arun Sachdev and Chandra Sachdev — are both established art gallerists, and they founded a well-known contemporary art gallery, Gallery 7, which would later become central to Nicholai’s life.
From an early age, Nicholai was exposed to art and aesthetics. According to some accounts, he began collecting art since childhood, nurturing a deep appreciation for creative expression.
As for formal education, it has been reported that he attended St. Xavier’s School (Delhi) and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Delhi — grounding him academically before he stepped fully into the worlds of business and art.
This unique mix of upbringing — steeped in art, combined with academic training — laid the foundation for what would become a multifaceted career.
Career in Art: Running Gallery 7
Perhaps the most defining aspect of Nicholai’s professional identity is his role as the director of Gallery 7. Having inherited the legacy from his parents, he took the reins of this contemporary art gallery in Mumbai and has worked to keep its prestige alive.
Under his stewardship, Gallery 7 continues to serve as a platform for both established and emerging artists, bridging traditional and modern sensibilities in Indian art.
Beyond just managing exhibitions, Nicholai’s vision seems to lean toward expanding the gallery’s reach — providing visibility to artists, cultivating art lovers, and maintaining a high standard of curation. Through this, he has upheld his family’s legacy while carving out his own niche as a serious gallerist.
This balance of heritage and fresh perspective helps position Gallery 7 as a major name in Mumbai’s contemporary art scene.
The Athletic Side: Powerlifting & Fitness
What makes Nicholai’s story especially compelling is that unlike many who dwell solely in creative or business realms, he straddles the athletic world as well. He is known to be a dedicated fitness enthusiast and competitive powerlifter.
Reports indicate that in the 2023 Open Powerlifting Championship — a national-level event — Nicholai bagged a gold medal in bench press and a silver in deadlift, underscoring his seriousness and commitment to the sport.
His athletic interest isn’t limited to personal achievement: he is also involved in coaching, reportedly training younger athletes — including his own daughter — for future success in powerlifting.
In a way, his dual roles — as an art-world connoisseur and a strength-driven athlete — reflect a rare blend of sensitivity and grit. It’s a combination that challenges stereotypical notions: the delicate art curator and the robust athlete coexisting in one person.
Personal Life, Relationships & Public Spotlight
Nicholai’s life has drawn public interest beyond galleries and gyms — especially after a significant personal milestone in 2024. In July of that year, he married Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, a well‑known South Indian actress.
What garnered additional attention was Nicholai’s unconventional decision regarding surnames: at a press meet, he announced that he and his daughter would adopt Varalaxmi’s name. He stated he would become “Nicholai Varalaxmi Sarathkumar Sachdev,” intending to honour and preserve her family legacy.
This gesture — rare and symbolic in its cultural context — signified respect for his wife’s identity and public persona. Moreover, it reflected a progressive attitude, especially in a social space where traditional norms often govern such decisions.
Nicholai has a daughter, Kasha Sachdev, from his earlier marriage to model and fitness coach Kavita Sachdev. The marriage, which began in 2006, ended in 2019.
He is also known to have tattoos and piercings — a representation, perhaps, of his eclectic personality: one foot in the refined world of art, the other in unapologetic individualistic expression.
Despite his growing public profile, various sources note that he keeps a relatively low media presence — choosing to remain grounded in his work and personal commitments rather than courting publicity.
Identity & Public Perception: A Modern Polymath
What makes Nicholai Sachdev stand out is not a single achievement but the intersection of different identities: a curator, businessman, athlete, mentor, husband, and father — all wrapped into one.
- As a gallerist, he continues his family’s tradition while adapting to contemporary art sensibilities.
- As an athlete and coach, he challenges norms about who art connoisseurs “should be,” blending aesthetics and strength.
- His personal decisions — such as adopting his wife’s name — speak to evolving social values and respect for legacy and identity.
- His relatively quiet presence outside close circles suggests he values substance over sensationalism.
In a world where public figures often chase fame, Nicholai seems more invested in meaningful pursuits — whether that’s nurturing artists, strengthening young judokas (in his case, powerlifters), or simply living a life that doesn’t conform to one template.
Challenges & Criticisms
Because of the contrasting realms he inhabits (art versus athletics, privacy versus public life), Nicholai has faced scrutiny — especially around his personal choices: from tattoos and piercings, to remarrying, and then unusually opting to take his wife’s surname. Some media outlets have commented on these aspects, though no major controversies have been documented beyond public opinion.
Additionally, wearing many hats — curator, athlete, mentor — might stretch one’s time and attention. Balancing the demands of an art gallery, training, mentorship, and family responsibilities is a tall ask. Yet, as evidence suggests, Nicholai appears to manage these diverse roles with apparent equilibrium.
Why Nicholai Sachdev’s Story Resonates
In a way, Nicholai’s life stands as a testament to the possibility of embracing multiplicity — not being confined to a single identity or role. His journey resonates for several reasons:
- Heritage plus innovation: He carries forward a family legacy (Gallery 7) yet infuses it with contemporary energy and vision.
- Breaking stereotypes: The image of a gallerist is often one-dimensional, but Nicholai adds layers by being an athlete and a fitness mentor.
- Personal integrity: His decision to change surnames reflects respect for his partner’s identity and a willingness to defy conventional expectations.
- Diverse passions: By succeeding in both art and sport, he demonstrates that human interests need not be compartmentalized.
- Realistic visibility: He occupies public attention not through flamboyance, but through consistent work and selective public engagement.
For many, his story offers inspiration — showing that it’s possible to live life on one’s own terms, combining tradition and modernity, art and strength, privacy and public attention.
Looking Ahead
As of 2025, Nicholai Sachdev remains a significant name in Mumbai’s art circuit. With Gallery 7 under his direction, his powerlifting achievements, and a new chapter in his personal life with his marriage to Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, he continues to evolve.
Given how he navigates different spheres — art exhibitions, athlete training, family life — it’s reasonable to expect that his journey will keep evolving in unexpected and interesting ways. He may help shape emerging trends in art, influence powerlifting culture among younger enthusiasts, or even inspire more people to embrace multifaceted identities.
Ultimately, Nicholai’s life underscores a broader message: in a world that often pressures people to choose a single label — “artist,” “athlete,” “businessman,” “celebrity” — there is great value in resisting that reduction. Depth, diversity, and authenticity can coexist.
Conclusion
Nicholai Sachdev is not just a name — but a tapestry of experiences, passions, and evolving identities. From growing up amidst art to running a prestigious gallery, from lifting weights to embracing family responsibilities, from tradition to modern self-expression — his life reflects courage, versatility, and vision.
In bridging worlds that many see as incompatible, he challenges us to rethink boundaries. His story is a reminder: we don’t have to be limited by one path. With curiosity, commitment, and respect for our roots and our choices — we can build lives that are rich, varied, and true to ourselves.
