Several models have transitioned to acting, but only a few have managed to gain recognition and make a place for themselves in the highly competitive industry. From junior Wimbledon to mainstream music videos, model and actor Bikram Saluja had one of the most unexpected entries into Indian entertainment. Yet, despite making a major Bollywood debut opposite Karisma Kapoor , he eventually stepped away from acting.
After stepping back from professional tennis, Bikram entered modelling and won the inaugural Grasim Mr India title in 1994. He represented India internationally at the 1996 Mr World competition in Istanbul, finishing in the Top 10. Bikram made his high-profile feature film debut in Khalid Mohammed’s critically acclaimed Fiza (2000), playing the romantic partner of Karisma Kapoor’s titular character. He went on to feature in prominent ensemble projects including LOC: Kargil, Plan, Page 3 and Just Married. In 2004, he married Schauna Chauhan, the CEO of Parle Agro. The actor and Schauna eventually separated, and they have a 12-year-old son who lives with his ex-wife. Bikram revealed that he spent 1,000 days on the road while shooting the documentary.
In a chat with the Main Character Energy podcast, Bikram revealed that he continued approaching directors and producers for work even after Fiza. The former actor has revealed that he is open to making a comeback in front of the camera, provided he finds the right project. During the late 1990s, Saluja became a prominent face in Indian pop music videos, appearing in Asha Bhosle’s iconic Parde Mein Rehne Do and Bali Brahmbhatt’s Tere Bin Jeena Nahin. He also featured in several theatre plays, including Karma Bhoomi, Teen Ikke, Kiski Biwi Kiska Shauhar and more. His performance in the film impressed critics and earned him recognition. However, he eventually stepped away from acting when he stopped receiving the kind of substantial roles he was looking for. However, during his journey of directing documentaries, his personal life also underwent changes. He is also the author of the book An Actor’s Inspiration.
He realised that “it’s a different ball game altogether” and decided he did not want to waste his time pursuing it.
