Musk Reveals Personal Connection to India on Nikhil Kamath’s Podcast
During a recent appearance on WTF is?, the podcast hosted by Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Elon Musk made a surprising personal revelation: his partner, Shivon Zilis, is half-Indian. The discussion surfaced while Kamath asked Musk about his family and cultural connections.
Musk added that while Zilis was adopted as a baby and raised in Canada, her biological father is believed to have been an Indian student studying abroad.
Son’s Middle Name ‘Sekhar’ Inspired by Astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar
Elon Musk further revealed that their son carries the middle name “Sekhar,” chosen in honour of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the legendary Indian-American astrophysicist and 1983 Nobel Prize winner.
Chandrasekhar is renowned for the Chandrasekhar Limit, a breakthrough concept in stellar evolution that explains the lifecycle of stars.
Musk, known for his deep interest in physics and space science, said the name was selected as a tribute to Chandrasekhar’s monumental contributions.
Who Is Shivon Zilis?
Neuralink’s Key Executive
Shivon Zilis currently serves as Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink, one of Musk’s most ambitious ventures focused on brain–computer interface technology.
Zilis, a Yale graduate, has been a leading figure in AI ethics, machine learning initiatives, and Musk’s futuristic technology roadmap.
A Multicultural Background
Although adopted in infancy, Zilis’s heritage includes Indian roots through her biological father, adding a multicultural layer to Musk’s growing family.
Growing Global Interest in Musk’s Personal Life
Musk’s revelation sparked widespread discussion across Indian and global media. Many highlighted how one of the world’s most influential tech leaders now shares a personal tie to India, especially through a name rooted in scientific legacy.
The connection also adds cultural depth to Musk’s public persona, aligning with his long-standing admiration for scientists and innovators.
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The Significance of Chandrasekhar’s Influence
Why Chandrasekhar Matters
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar remains one of the most celebrated astrophysicists of the 20th century. His work laid the foundation for understanding black holes, stellar death, and cosmic evolution.
A Name That Reflects Musk’s Fascination With Space
Given Musk’s overarching mission to expand humanity’s reach into space through SpaceX, naming his son after Chandrasekhar is a symbolic nod to the pursuit of scientific excellence.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The revelation quickly trended across platforms, with Indian audiences expressing delight over the unexpected cultural link. News outlets like NDTV, Indian Express, and Deccan Herald published detailed reports, sparking conversations about heritage, identity, and global family narratives.
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Conclusion
Elon Musk’s disclosure about his partner’s Indian roots and his son’s middle name has created a unique cultural bridge between one of the world’s most influential tech leaders and India’s scientific legacy. The tribute to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar underscores Musk’s long-standing admiration for groundbreaking science — and reflects the growing diversity within his own family.
