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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.
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
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
Paytm CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma recently took delivery of a Tesla Model Y from the new delivery centre in Gurugram. His purchase became one of the most widely discussed among India’s recent batch of owners, given his prominence in the country’s tech and startup ecosystem.
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.
