Ajay Sahgal's net worth is estimated in the $1 million to $3 million range, though no publisher, network, or reliable outlet has published a precise figure. That range reflects three decades of steady, mid-level Hollywood work rather than one breakout hit: a well-reviewed debut novel, a self-directed indie short film, and a long run as a writer on network and streaming sitcoms including "The Carmichael Show" and "Extended Family."
Quick Facts
| Known For | Debut novel "Pool" (1994); TV writing credits on "The Carmichael Show," "Merry Happy Whatever," and "Extended Family" |
| Career Start | Novel "Pool," published 1994 by Atlantic Monthly Press |
| Spouse | Actress Kelli Williams, married 1996, divorced 2017; three children |
| Representation | 3Arts Entertainment |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million to $3 million (estimated) |
"Pool" and Early Career
Sahgal's career began with the novel "Pool," published in 1994 by Atlantic Monthly Press and reissued in paperback by Grove Press in 1995. The book follows a young Hollywood movie star who walks off a big-budget production and retreats to a Vermont farmhouse of self-exiled industry refugees; reviewers likened its satire of entertainment-industry culture to Nathanael West's "The Day of the Locust." The novel established Sahgal as a sharp chronicler of the industry he would go on to work in as a screenwriter and TV writer.
"It's a Shame About Ray" and Indie Filmmaking
In 2000, Sahgal wrote, directed, and produced the short film "It's a Shame About Ray," his first credited directing work. The project marked his transition from novelist to filmmaker and preceded his move into network television writing.
Network Television Writing
Sahgal built a long career writing for network and streaming comedies. He wrote for NBC's "The Carmichael Show," including the season-three episode "Evelyn and Vernon," and later wrote for Netflix's "Merry Happy Whatever." In 2018, he wrote the pilot "Pandas in New York" for CBS, centered on a family of Indian doctors in New York City. In 2021, ABC and 20th Television ordered his comedy pilot "The Son-in-Law," about a working-class man navigating his fiancee's more sophisticated parents, with Jake Kasdan and Melvin Mar attached as executive producers. Most recently, Sahgal wrote two episodes of NBC's "Extended Family" (2023-2024), a sitcom created by Mike O'Malley and starring Jon Cryer and Donald Faison.
Personal Life
Sahgal was married to actress Kelli Williams, known for "The Practice" and "Lie to Me," from 1996 to 2017; the couple has three children together. Williams converted to Hinduism after their marriage. The two divorced in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ajay Sahgal's net worth?
Estimated in the $1 million to $3 million range. No publisher or network has confirmed an exact figure; the estimate reflects his novel advance, film work, and decades of network TV writing credits rather than one hit series.
What is Ajay Sahgal known for?
His 1994 debut novel "Pool," the short film "It's a Shame About Ray," and his TV writing career on shows including "The Carmichael Show" and "Extended Family."
Is Ajay Sahgal married?
No. He was married to actress Kelli Williams from 1996 to 2017; the couple has three children together.
What TV shows has Ajay Sahgal written for?
"The Carmichael Show," "Merry Happy Whatever," the CBS pilot "Pandas in New York," the ABC pilot "The Son-in-Law," and NBC's "Extended Family."