Actor Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has spoken candidly about her decision not to have children, emphasising that parenthood should be a personal choice rather than an obligation that comes with marriage.
The South Indian actor, who married businessman and art gallerist Nicholai Sachdev in 2024, said her decision is not related to any health issue. Instead, she explained that she has made a conscious choice about the kind of life she wants to lead. Her husband, she added, shares her perspective.
Her comments challenge the widely held assumption that every married couple must eventually become parents, highlighting the importance of individual choice and the responsibilities involved in raising a child.
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar says she does not want children
Speaking to Behindwoods, Varalaxmi made her position clear, stressing that her decision is about what she wants rather than an inability to have children.
“I have already made it clear that I do not want children. It is not because I cannot have children. It is because I do not want children. It is a clear and firm decision for me,” she said.
The actor also revealed that Nicholai Sachdev is on the same page. According to her, the couple shares the same outlook on parenthood and has made the decision together.
Varalaxmi’s remarks underline a distinction that often gets lost in conversations about marriage and family: choosing not to have children is not necessarily a consequence of medical circumstances. For some people, it is a deliberate personal decision.
Varalaxmi on parenthood and the responsibility of raising a child
Varalaxmi also spoke about the responsibility that comes with bringing a child into the world. She believes prospective parents should carefully consider whether they are prepared for the emotional and practical demands of raising a child instead of making the decision because of societal pressure.
“Before having a child, you should ask yourself whether you are ready to take complete responsibility for raising that child. If you are not ready for that responsibility, then deciding not to have children is better. I believe that is also a responsible parenting decision,” she explained.
Her comments shift the discussion from expectations surrounding marriage to the commitment required for parenthood. Raising a child involves long-term responsibility, care and attention, and Varalaxmi believes that decision should be made thoughtfully.
Rather than treating parenthood as an automatic next step after marriage, her perspective places the emphasis on whether an individual or couple genuinely wants to take on that role.
Varalaxmi says Nicholai’s daughter and their dogs are family
Varalaxmi also spoke about the family she shares with Nicholai Sachdev. Her husband has a daughter from his first marriage, and the actor said she treats the child with the same affection she would give her own.
The couple also has two dogs, whom Varalaxmi considers part of the family.
“We have two puppies, and I raise them as my children,” she said.
Her remarks offer a glimpse into how she defines family, placing love, care and responsibility at the centre of the relationship rather than relying on a conventional definition of parenthood.
Varalaxmi’s comments serve as a reminder that decisions about having children are deeply personal. Marriage does not automatically mean that a couple must become parents, and choosing a different path is a decision that deserves respect.
