Elon Musk told Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath on the latter’s “People by WTF” podcast that his partner, Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, is “half Indian,” and that one of the couple’s sons carries the middle name “Sekhar.” The revelation, dropped during a broadly personal segment of the conversation, immediately trended across Indian social and mainstream media.
Musk told Kamath: “You know, my partner Shivon she is half Indian. I do not know if you know that.” When Kamath replied that he did not, Musk added, “Yes and one of my sons with her is, middle name is Sekhar, after Nobel laureate Chandra Sekhar.” The comments appear in the podcast trailer released by Kamath and in reporting from national outlets.
Kamath’s brief trailer, posted on his social channels, has been widely shared and viewed as a prelude to the full episode, which promises a candid, hour-plus conversation covering technology, Musk’s habits, and unexpectedly, family life. The promotional clip features light-hearted exchanges and prompted debate over whether the footage was AI-edited, but Kamath later confirmed the episode and released the trailer widely.
Musk also used the episode to speak more generally about parenthood, telling Kamath, “You will not regret it,” when the host said he did not have children. The moment underscored how the interview shifted from business to more intimate territory, and prompted many Indian commentators to note the personal connection between Musk’s family and India.
Zilis, who has held senior roles at Neuralink and was earlier associated with investments in AI and venture funds, was adopted as an infant. Musk described her as having been born to a Punjabi mother and a Canadian father, and said she grew up in Canada. The pair have previously been reported to share children; Zilis has been a recurring presence in profiles of Musk’s inner circle.
The exchange added a personal dimension to one of the world’s most high-profile tech leaders, while also drawing attention to the global, cross-cultural ties within Silicon Valley’s inner circle. In India, Musk’s remarks sparked quick reactions across social media and mainstream publications, further boosting curiosity around Kamath’s podcast and its growing reputation for candid, longform conversations.
With the full episode now released, viewers can watch the complete conversation on Kamath’s official channels. The full-length interview expands on the themes teased in the trailer, featuring extended discussions on technology, parenting, work habits, and Musk’s views on the future of AI.
