In a recent interview with Nikhil Kamat, billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk revealed that his partner, Shivon Zilis, has Indian heritage. He also disclosed that one of their children has “Sekhar” as a middle name, which is a tribute to renowned physicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar. Musk shared these details while discussing family, identity, and the role of Indian talent globally.
Who Is Shivon Zilis?
Shivon Zilis works with Musk’s neurotechnology firm and holds the position of Director of Operations and Special Projects at Neuralink. She studied Economics and Philosophy at Yale University. Musk said Zilis was adopted as a baby and grew up in Canada. He recalled, “I think her father was like an exchange student at the university or something like that.” Her mixed background, he said, reflects the global nature of many modern families.
ELON MUSK: “My partner Shivon is half Indian, and one of my son’s middle name is ‘sekhar’ after the Indian physicist, Professor S. Chandrasekhar.” pic.twitter.com/niJWBq6zSa
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) November 30, 2025
Together, Musk and Zilis share four children, twins, a daughter, and a son. By giving one child the middle name “Sekhar,” they honor Chandrasekhar’s legacy, a salute to Indian scientific achievement.
Why the Name ‘Sekhar’ Matters
Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for his theoretical work on star structure and evolution. By choosing “Sekhar” as the middle name, Musk and Zilis signalled respect for Indian scientific legacy and global intellectual heritage. The gesture resonated with many who view it as a bridge between Indian roots and global identity.
Elon Musk’s Bigger Message: Indian Talent and Global Impact
During the same interview, Musk said: “America has been an immense beneficiary of talent from India, but that seems to be changing now.” His comment came at a time when many Indians are facing uncertainty abroad due to stricter visa rules and shifting immigration policies. Musk’s remarks served as both appreciation and caution — highlighting the value of immigrant contributions and the risk of hindering them.
In giving his child an Indian-inspired middle name, Musk appeared to reaffirm his belief in the continued relevance of Indian talent globally.
Sekar: Pride, Surprise, and Debate
News of Zilis’s heritage and her child’s middle name spread rapidly online. Some applauded the tribute as a meaningful recognition of Indian intellectual tradition. Others debated its sincerity, given Musk’s global controversies. The reaction sparked discussions on identity, diaspora heritage, and the responsibilities of global figures in acknowledging roots.
For many Indians abroad, the revelation felt like a quiet moment of pride — a reminder that even global icons recognize Indian heritage.
What This Says About Identity in a Global Era
In an increasingly interconnected world, stories like Musk’s highlight how identity, culture, and legacy can cross borders. A Canadian-born adoptee with Indian roots; a child named after an Indian Nobel laureate; a global business magnate acknowledging immigrant contributions — together, they reflect evolving definitions of heritage, citizenship, and belonging.
The move may also encourage more public figures to embrace and acknowledge diverse backgrounds. It underscores how personal stories can shape larger conversations about talent, migration, and cross-cultural respect.
