Nicholai Sachdev is a Mumbai art gallerist and a partner at Gallery 7. His parents, Arun and Chandra Sachdev, established the gallery in 1979, and he now runs it with his mother. He became widely known in July 2024, when he married actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. Let’s dive into Nicholai Sachdev’s early life, his two-decade journey in the art world, and his life beyond the celebrity headlines.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Arunov Nicholai Sachdev |
| Profession | Art gallerist, businessman |
| Gallery | Gallery 7, Rampart Row, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai |
| Gallery founded | 1979, by his parents |
| Parents | Arun Sachdev and Chandra Sachdev |
| Spouse | Varalaxmi Sarathkumar |
| Engagement | 1 March 2024, Mumbai |
| Wedding reception | 3 July 2024, Chennai |
| Wedding ceremony | 10 July 2024, Krabi, Thailand |
Nicholai Sachdev’s Early Life and Family
Nicholai is the son of Arun and Chandra Sachdev. According to Gallery 7’s official page, Arun was a writer and editor of Z magazine. Chandra trained as a fine artist at the J.J. School of Art and at Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan under Somnath Hore. The two started the gallery together, and Nicholai later joined the family business.
Nicholai Sachdev’s Professional Career and Gallery 7
Gallery 7 opened in Mumbai’s Fort district. In the 1990s it moved to a bungalow in Cuffe Parade, and it later moved to Rampart Row in Kala Ghoda. The gallery’s own page says Nicholai has been involved with it for two decades and now runs it with his mother, Chandra. The same page credits him with business sense and an eye for spotting talent.
Gallery 7’s official page says that under the direction of Chandra and Nicholai, the gallery plans to branch out to several cities across the world. The stated aim is to give Indian artists a global platform to show their work.
Over the years the gallery has shown younger artists such as Atul Dodiya, Vijay Shinde and Arpita Singh, and senior names such as M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza and Jogen Chowdhury.
In July 2017, Deccan Chronicle interviewed him about the gallery’s Summer Sale, which featured 85 works by more than 15 artists. He said the gallery had relaunched its website, which was first built in the early 2000s. He advised buyers to browse online first and then visit the gallery to see the work in person. He also said he felt many buyers now purchase art mainly for returns rather than for understanding.
India TV also describes him as a powerlifter and fitness enthusiast.
How Nicholai Sachdev Became Known Beyond Being an Actress’s Husband
His name was in the press well before his marriage. The timeline below shows how his public profile grew.
- July 2017: Deccan Chronicle interviews him as the owner of Gallery 7, seven years before the wedding.
- 1 March 2024: The couple get engaged in Mumbai. Republic World and The News Minute reported that they had known each other for 14 years. Varalaxmi shared the news on social media the next day.
- Early July 2024: Her father, actor Sarathkumar, announced a reception. IBTimes India and India.com covered the Chennai reception on 3 July. Guests included Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, A.R. Rahman and Mani Ratnam.
- 10 July 2024: The couple marry at a beach resort in Krabi, Thailand. Chennaivision reported a traditional South Indian ceremony in the morning and a beach ceremony for the vows in the evening, with close family and friends present.
- January 2025: India TV publishes a profile of him as the Mumbai gallerist behind Gallery 7.
- February 2026: A video listing shows him speaking at the pre-release event of Varalaxmi’s directorial debut S Saraswathi. The film released on 6 March 2026.
Nicholai Sachdev and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s Marriage
Nicholai and Varalaxmi married in July 2024 after knowing each other for 14 years. The celebrations came in two parts: a reception in Chennai on 3 July and a private wedding in Krabi on 10 July. Gulte reported the pre-wedding festivities and sangeet in the days before. Her team shared the post-wedding photos, which showed Varalaxmi in a red saree and Nicholai in a traditional outfit.
Before his marriage to Varalaxmi, Nicholai was reportedly married to Kavita. Pinkvilla reports that the couple have a daughter named Kasha.
FAQs
1. Who started Gallery 7?
His parents, Arun and Chandra Sachdev, in 1979. Arun brought his experience as a writer and editor, and Chandra her fine arts training.
2. Where is Gallery 7 today?
In the Kala Ghoda art district of south Mumbai. The gallery’s site describes a 40-foot arched front and high ceilings.
3. When did Nicholai and Varalaxmi get engaged?
On 1 March 2024 in Mumbai, with family and close friends present. They exchanged rings with their parents’ blessings.
4. Where did the couple marry?
The wedding ceremony was on 10 July 2024 in Krabi, Thailand. A reception was held in Chennai on 3 July 2024.
5. What has he said about selling art online?
In 2017 he said online browsing helps buyers, but he advises them to visit the gallery and see the work in person.
6. What is Nicholai Sachdev’s net worth?
No credible news outlet or official source has published a verified figure for his net worth. Some websites quote estimates, but they do not cite any source for them, so this article does not repeat them.
Read More: Sourav Joshi / Sasha Prasad
Note: This article covers only publicly confirmed details of his personal life.
Conclusion
Nicholai Sachdev is a Mumbai art gallerist who runs Gallery 7 with his mother, Chandra. The gallery was started by his parents in 1979 and is now based in Kala Ghoda. His work in the art world was on record in 2017, seven years before he married actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in July 2024. Since then, his public profile has grown alongside hers, but the gallery remains the centre of his professional life.
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