Who Is Vikram Chatwal, Priya Sachdev's First Husband Before She Married The Late Sunjay Kapur?
As Sunjay Kapur's sudden demise ignites a Rs 30,000 crore inheritance battle, one name that keeps resurfacing is Vikram Chatwal, the ex-husband of Sunjay's third wife, Priya Sachdev. While the family tussle over Kapur's vast business empire has captivated headlines, Chatwal's past relationship with Priya and his own controversial life make him an intriguing figure.
Here's everything to know about the flamboyant businessman once called the 'playboy hotelier."
Early Life and Education
Born on November 1, 1971, in Ethiopia, Vikram Chatwal is the son of Indian-American hotel magnate Sant Singh Chatwal. He grew up in New York and graduated from the prestigious Wharton School of Business in 1993. He began his career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley but soon ventured into more glamorous industries including modelling, acting, and eventually hospitality.
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Modelling, Acting and Hollywood Cameos
Vikram briefly worked as a model and became the first Sikh man to be featured in Vogue magazine. His dapper looks also landed him minor roles in films like Zoolander and Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd. Though he didn't pursue acting full-time, he remained a staple in social circles across New York, London and Mumbai.
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Marriage to Priya Sachdev and Divorce
In 2006, Vikram married actress and investment banker Priya Sachdev in a high-profile wedding. The couple welcomed a daughter, Safira, the same year. However, Vikram's substance abuse issues and wild lifestyle led to two stints in rehab. By 2011, Priya divorced him. She later married Sunjay Kapur in 2017. Sunjay adopted Safira, and she now goes by the surname Kapur.
Scandals and Legal Troubles
Vikram Chatwal's lifestyle caught up with him. In 2013, he was arrested at Fort Lauderdale airport for drug possession. A year later, his father Sant Chatwal pleaded guilty to illegal campaign contributions. In 2016, Vikram faced public outrage after being charged with setting two dogs on fire. He later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.
Hotel Empire and Comeback
Despite his turbulent past, Vikram has managed a remarkable comeback in hospitality. He founded Vikram Chatwal Hotels and owns several luxury properties, including the iconic Dream New York hotel, which underwent a Rs 166 crore ($20 million) renovation in 2015. His brand has since expanded to Miami, Bangkok and India, known for stylish décor and celebrity clientele.
Ties To The Kapur Succession Battle
In the current Kapur family dispute, Vikram's name has resurfaced due to the legal status of his daughter Safira. If Sunjay Kapur legally adopted her, she loses any right to inherit from Vikram's estate. Meanwhile, Priya Sachdev and Safira have both dropped 'Chatwal" from their names.
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