Inside Elon Musk x Nikhil Kamath: The Podcast Everyone in India Needs to Watch

When Nikhil Kamath sat down with Elon Musk for his ‘People by WTF’ podcast, no one expected the conversation to span nearly every major global issue, philanthropy, AI, immigration, work culture, tariffs, space, children, India’s talent and even Musk’s surprising personal ties to India. The nearly two-hour episode is now being called one of the most important podcast interviews of the year because it reveals Musk as a thinker, not just a billionaire, and shows Kamath holding one of the sharpest conversations ever hosted by an Indian podcaster.

Why Philanthropy Is ‘Extremely Difficult’ According to Musk

One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is Musk’s rare and honest take on charity.

He explained why giving away money the right way is harder than most people imagine.

Through the lens of the Musk Foundation, he shared that the true challenge isn’t writing a cheque, it’s ensuring that every rupee or dollar actually changes someone’s life.

Musk revealed:

• His foundation donated $474 million in 2024, much of it to STEM-focused education and global relief.
• He avoids attaching his name to institutions because he prefers impact over image.
• Philanthropy, he believes, must focus on “reality of goodness” rather than public perception.

This segment alone makes the episode essential viewing for corporate leaders, founders, philanthropy professionals and young Indians shaping the future of impact.

Musk Reveals His Indian Family Connection

One of the most widely shared clips from the podcast is Musk’s revelation that:

• His partner Shivon Zilis is half-Indian
• One of their sons carries the middle name “Sekhar”, honouring Indian-American Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar

He spoke about Zilis’ adoption, her childhood in Canada and her major role at Neuralink.

For many Indian viewers, this personal disclosure became an unexpected emotional highlight.

The H-1B Visa, Indian Talent and a Changing America

Nikhil Kamath and Elon Musk discussed the increasingly complex reality behind US immigration policies.

Musk stressed:

• The US has benefited enormously from Indian talent
• There is always a shortage of skilled people
• H-1B misuse exists, but shutting the programme is not the solution

His take resonated strongly with millions of Indian engineers, students and tech workers living abroad.

The Future of Work: “Working Will Be Optional”

Musk went deep into the future of jobs, automation and AI.

His biggest prediction?

Within 10–20 years, most jobs may become optional as AI and robotics take over large-scale production.

He believes society will have to rethink purpose, creativity and human identity in a world where survival no longer depends on work.

This part of the conversation makes the episode a must-watch for professionals, students, founders, economists and anyone preparing for the next tech revolution.

Tariffs, Trump and Global Trade

Elon Musk openly disagreed with Donald Trump’s tariff-heavy policies, explaining how tariffs distort economies, slow down innovation and hurt global growth.

His India-specific comments offered rare clarity:

• The 50 percent US tariff on India is excessive
• Free trade benefits both sides
• Tariffs between nations make as little sense as tariffs between states

This segment is particularly relevant for business owners, investors and policy watchers.

A Rare Glimpse Into Musk’s Humour, Friendships and Philosophy

Between the serious topics, viewers also get to see Musk’s lighter side:

• He loves absurdist humour
• His fascination with the letter “X” has a strange, decades-long backstory
• His friendships revolve around deep discussions about the universe
• His personal passion: building consciousness across humanity

It’s the most unfiltered Musk interview Indian audiences have ever seen.

Why You Must Watch This Episode

This podcast is not just entertainment, it’s a masterclass for anyone who wants to understand:

• The world’s richest man’s unfiltered worldview
• How global leaders think about India
• The future of work, talent, AI and philanthropy
• The human side of Elon Musk, rarely seen on camera

Kamath’s sharp, calm and thoughtful interviewing style brings out clarity, nuance and warmth, making this more than a podcast.

It’s a genuine global conversation with deep Indian relevance. If you watch only one long-form interview this year, let it be this one. It’s packed with insights, unexpected revelations and ideas that will shape careers, businesses and conversations across India. This is not just an episode, it’s a cultural moment in the Indian creator ecosystem.