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5 High-Profile Indians Who Have Chosen Tesla EVs

Pratap Sarnaik, Siddharth Jain, Vijay Shekhar Sharma and Rakesh Ranjan are among the first confirmed Tesla Model Y owners in India.

Published on: Dec 01, 2025 04:57 PM IST

Tesla’s entry into India has quickly turned into a moment of high visibility, with several well-known Indian leaders and business executives emerging as the first confirmed owners of the Model Y. Their early adoption reflects the growing curiosity around premium electric vehicles and marks an important chapter in India’s transition toward cleaner mobility.

1. Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Minister of Maharashtra

Actor Riteish Deshmukh received his Tesla in 2017 as his 40th birthday gift. (@riteishd on Instagram)
Tesla Model Y
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Actor Riteish Deshmukh received his Tesla in 2017 as his 40th birthday gift. (@riteishd on Instagram)

Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik was the first person in the country to take official delivery of a Tesla Model Y. His purchase came just a day after Tesla opened its first showroom and experience centre at Mumbai’s Maker Maxity Mall.

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The delivery, which drew significant public attention, set the tone for the brand’s arrival and placed a senior government official at the forefront of India’s early Tesla ownership.

(Also read: Tesla opens all-in-one centre in Gurugram for sales, fast-charging and after-sales service)

2. Siddharth Jain, Executive Director, INOX Group

INOX Group Executive Director Siddharth Jain has been associated with Tesla long before the brand formally stepped into India. He became the first prominent Indian business leader to own a Tesla, celebrating the moment publicly and highlighting his long-standing interest in the company’s technology.

3. Vijay Shekhar Sharma, CEO, PayTM

Sharma’s ownership adds a layer of influence, particularly among young, tech-focused buyers who closely follow the EV movement.

(Also read: Tesla Model Y secures 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating)

4. Rohit Sharma, Indian cricket player

Cricket superstar Rohit Sharma recently added a Tesla Model Y to his collection, joining other high-profile Tesla owners in India. Known for his affinity for luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini Urus, Sharma’s choice of an electric SUV signals the growing acceptance of EVs among celebrities and sports personalities. Media reports confirm Sharma’s purchase, emphasising Tesla’s appeal beyond traditional automotive enthusiasts.

5. Riteish Deshmukh, Actor

Riteish Deshmukh, famous for his comedy roles in Bollywood, owns a Tesla Model X, Tesla's flagship SUV. It was a gift from his wife, Genelia D’Souza. The celebrity's Model X has an attractive red finish. However, the SUV is not in India and is located in a country with left-hand drive models.

How much does the Tesla Model Y cost?

The Tesla Model Y introduced in India is available in Rear-Wheel-Drive (RWD) form, offered in two variants priced at 59.89 lakh and 67.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Known globally for its practicality, minimalist cabin, over-the-air updates, and strong driving efficiency, the Model Y has quickly become a focal point for Indian EV enthusiasts. The presence of high-profile early adopters is giving the Model Y added visibility.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Paul Massey

Ryan likes to stay updated with the trends of the automotive and tech world. His hobbies include driving (should be obvious), learning new musical instruments (can play a little bit of everything) and singing.

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