Cinema VinesBikram Saluja, a former top‑tennis junior and model, made a surprising leap into Bollywood, debuting alongside Karisma Kapoor in the 2000 film Fiza. The Indore native, who had been ranked among the world’s best junior tennis players and played at junior Wimbledon and the US Open, found that a professional tennis career did not materialise after he entered the men’s circuit. He then turned to modelling, winning the inaugural Grasim Mr. India title in 1994 and placing in the top ten at the 1996 Mr. World competition in Istanbul.
During the late 1990s Saluja became a familiar face in Indian pop music videos, appearing in Asha Bhosle’s “Parde Mein Rehne Do” and Bali Brahmbhatt’s “Tere Bin Jeena Nahin.” He also performed in theatre productions such as Karma Bhoomi, Teen Ikke, and Kiski Biwi Kiska Shauhar. His transition to film began with the critically acclaimed Fiza, where he played the love interest of Kapoor’s character. The role earned him critical praise and led to appearances in ensemble projects like LOC: Kargil, Plan, Page 3, and Just Married.
Despite continued efforts to secure roles, Saluja eventually stepped back from acting, citing a lack of substantial opportunities and the harsh realities of the industry. In a conversation with the Main Character Energy podcast, he noted that he “realised it’s a different ball game altogether” and chose not to waste time pursuing it further.
In 2004 he married Schauna Chauhan, the CEO of Parle Agro, but the couple later separated. They share a 12‑year‑old son who resides with his mother. Saluja has since shifted his focus from on‑screen work to behind‑the‑camera projects, establishing his own production company, Puppeteer Films, and directing documentaries.
Today, Bikram Saluja continues to work in the entertainment industry from a creative standpoint, channeling his experience as an athlete, model, and actor into filmmaking and entrepreneurial ventures.
