Before Sunjay Kapur: Meet Vikram Chatwal, Priya Sachdev’s First Husband
In the glittering world of fashion, business, and Bollywood, some names leave a trail of intrigue that lingers well after the spotlight fades. One such figure is Vikram Chatwal — a flamboyant hotelier, entrepreneur, and once the husband of model and actress Priya Sachdev, who later went on to marry industrialist Sunjay Kapur. While much has been written about Sachdev’s current marriage, less is known about the man who came before — a figure whose life reads like a script from a modern-day Gatsby.
Who Is Vikram Chatwal?
Vikram Chatwal is an Indian-American hotelier and businessman known for his extravagant lifestyle, celebrity friendships, and ambitious ventures in the hospitality industry. Born into a wealthy Sikh family in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 1971, Chatwal is the son of Sant Singh Chatwal, a self-made hotel magnate who established the Dream Hotel Group. Raised in New York, Vikram was educated at the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and initially started his career as an investment banker before shifting gears to join the family business.
However, Vikram was far from the typical heir to an empire. With his Bollywood-meets-Hollywood charm and an eye for style, he created his own niche in the luxury hotel segment. He is credited with launching the Dream Hotel brand, which became synonymous with boutique luxury and high-profile celebrity clientele. His properties attracted A-listers from Lindsay Lohan to Bono, and his social life was often fodder for tabloids across New York and Mumbai.
The Lavish Wedding to Priya Sachdev
In 2006, Vikram Chatwal made headlines not just for his hotels but for his opulent wedding to Indian model and actress Priya Sachdev. The multi-day affair, often described as one of the most extravagant weddings of the time, reportedly cost millions of dollars and spanned three cities — Mumbai, Udaipur, and Delhi.
The guest list was star-studded, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Bollywood actors, international models, and business tycoons. The event was a reflection of Chatwal’s flamboyant persona — a blend of Indian tradition, Hollywood glitz, and global glamour.
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Priya Sachdev, known for her roles in films like Neal ‘n’ Nikki and her successful modeling career, appeared to be the perfect match for Vikram. The couple was seen at several high-profile events and fashion weeks, often gracing society columns and luxury lifestyle features.
The Split and Life After Marriage
Despite the fairy-tale wedding, the marriage did not last. The couple reportedly began facing issues a few years into their relationship. The reasons for their separation were kept largely private, but the two eventually parted ways, choosing to move on with their individual lives.
Vikram Chatwal continued to make headlines — sometimes for his business ventures, and at other times for legal controversies and substance abuse-related issues. In 2016, he was arrested for allegedly setting two dogs on fire in New York, a charge that brought significant media scrutiny. His once-celebrated lifestyle began to unravel publicly, contrasting starkly with the image he had built during his peak years.
Priya Sachdev, on the other hand, gradually moved away from the limelight before resurfacing in public discourse due to her relationship with Sunjay Kapur, the ex-husband of actress Karisma Kapoor. Priya and Sunjay eventually tied the knot in 2017 and now live a relatively quiet life with their children, away from the constant media frenzy.
Legacy and Public Image
Today, Vikram Chatwal remains an enigmatic figure — one who tasted global success early but also became a cautionary tale of excess and fame. His name may not carry the same luster it once did, but his contributions to the luxury boutique hotel industry continue to be acknowledged.
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For those who remember the early 2000s era of over-the-top glamor, Chatwal and Sachdev’s wedding remains a moment frozen in time — an emblem of aspiration, affluence, and a world where East met West in the grandest way imaginable.
Though Priya Sachdev has moved on and built a new chapter with Sunjay Kapur, her past with Vikram Chatwal adds a fascinating layer to her story — one that blends ambition, luxury, and the ever-evolving nature of high-society relationships.
