From New York Roots to Tamil Screens: A Life Built on Art

Stepping into the frame with quiet confidence, Nick Sundaram brings the unmistakable presence of an actor shaped by discipline, curiosity, and a deep respect for storytelling. His path spans continents and creative worlds, yet his grounded charm makes every moment in front of the camera feel effortless.

Esquire Vietnam: Your debut in Mei had you playing a young NRI doctor caught in a medical thriller. Did your family in New York start asking you for medical advice after watching the film?

Nicky Sundaram: Not even once. I may have played a doctor, but I wasn’t performing dramatic surgeries—I had maybe two quick clinical beats before the story dives into corruption and organ trafficking in Madras. So luckily, no one in my family started sending me photos of rashes for diagnosis.

You’ve said the script was both entertaining and educational. What made you think, “Okay… I HAVE to do this film”?

It just felt different. The script had suspense, heart, and real social relevance. And the character wasn’t some over-the-top hero—he was an ordinary guy pulled into an extraordinary situation. There was something really compelling about that. The story just hooked me, and I knew I had to be a part of it.

The cast and crew made filming unforgettable. What’s one moment that still makes you smile?

Honestly, it was the vibe on set. Everyone was warm, open, and genuinely collaborative. As a newcomer, walking into a space where people treat you like you’ve already been part of the family is rare. That atmosphere made even the longest days feel easy, and I still think back on it with a lot of gratitude.

Aishwarya Rajesh has become a good friend. What’s something you learned from working with her?

Aishwarya has this incredibly steady focus that’s really grounding. We didn’t sit around dissecting acting theory, but just watching her work was a lesson in itself. She’s precise, present, and completely tuned into the moment. Being around someone like that naturally raises your own game.

As an NYU Tisch graduate, when did you first realize: “Yes, film is where I belong”?

Way before Tisch. I was around twelve when filmmaking first grabbed me—I always thought I’d end up directing or writing. Acting showed up unexpectedly in high school when I played Charlie in Flowers for Algernon. It was a tough role, emotional and layered, and performing it felt electric. The play did well, and I ended up winning the New England High School Theater Award for Best Actor. That’s when it clicked: This is it. This is the path.

You’ve written and directed your own feature film. What’s tougher: acting or directing?

Love & Honour was a serious creative workout—I wrote it, directed it, and played identical twins. Acting came naturally because I knew those characters inside out. Directing was the challenge. It’s set in WWII-era Europe, so everything had to feel historically right, and I was also working with a few first-time actors, which meant really guiding them through the process.

Being a Marine definitely helped; you learn how to stay calm and organized when things get messy. But right now, my full focus is acting—that’s where I feel the most alive.

If you could pick your next Tamil role—rom-com hero, action star, historical prince, or sci-fi time traveler—which one wins?

Historical prince, hands down. I’ve always loved those big, epic characters with legacy, conflict, and emotional depth. Something in the vein of Prince Hector in Troy or King Leonidas in 300. Worlds that are larger than life, with stakes to match—that’s the kind of role that gets me excited.

From growing up in New York to entering Tamil cinema, what has been the most defining moment of your journey?

Tamil films were a big part of my childhood, so joining Mei felt like reconnecting with something familiar—but in a completely new way. Working in Madras, understanding the rhythm of the industry, and meeting audiences there gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t expect.

It changed me. It made me want to keep telling stories in Tamil cinema. But I’m just as excited about Hollywood and Hindi projects too. For me, it always comes down to the character—if the role inspires me, I’m in, no matter the language or industry.

***Creative Team***

Talent: Nicky Sundaram @nickysundaramofficial at Genetics Model
Management: @geneticsmgmt
Photographer: Tom Marvel @tommarvelphotography
Stylist: Cannon @thecannonmediagroup
Lighting Director: Pierre Bonnet @pierrebonnet
Director of Video: Edsta @edsta
Pose Director: Pater Argue @peterargue
Digital Artist: Anne Nguyen @retoucher_anne
Production: Winnie Noan @winnie_noan
Hair : Linh Nguyen @linhhair using Redken @redken & R+Co @randco
Grooming: Natalie @nataliej_hair_llc using Make Up For Ever @makeupforever
Digital Tech: Ryan Liu @justryanliu
Fashion Team: Maksim Mizgirev @lu3alo | Madison Wen Gu @mmmaddddison | Kamryn Brown @kamryn.brown | Brooklyn Hall @hauteraf
Photographer Assistants: Sarah Schneider @sarahbschneider | Michele Swain @michelewihelminaphotography