‘Not my father’s daughter, not my husband’s wife’: Akshata Murty on identity, heritage and Bengaluru memories

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has released a new episode of his ‘WTF’ podcast featuring Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty, offering a candid conversation on identity, heritage and personal values. The episode, now available on Kamath’s YouTube channel, dives into themes of belonging, public life and navigating identity while being associated with well-known figures.Murty also spoke about a message shared PM Modi that shaped her perspective on identity. (YouTube/Nikhil Kamath)During the conversation, Murty addressed how she is often introduced in relation to others – as Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s daughter or Sunak’s wife – and how she views her own identity. “That’s not my identity. I’m very much a Bangalore girl with a British accent,” she said.“I grew up in Jayanagar. My father built a company. My husband was Prime Miner. But I am not my father’s daughter. I am not my husband’s wife. I am my own person defined impact, not labels,” she added.Murty added that her sense of self comes from contributing meaningfully to society, staying true to her values and honouring her heritage.Akshata Murty recalls PM Modi’s adviceMurty also spoke about a message shared Prime Miner Narendra Modi that shaped her perspective on identity. “Indians who are living in the UK are all part of the living bridge… they connect Britain to India and vice versa,” she recalled him saying.Reflecting on this idea, Murty said she sees herself as part of that “living bridge”. “When you think of a bridge, it connects two places. It doesn’t belong just to one place or the other,” she said.“So for me, when i think deeply about who i am, in the context of current day, i am part of that living bridge. I feel incredibly at home in India. I am incredibly emotional about my heritage. I am incredibly proud of my heritage,” she added.(Also Read: Nikhil Kamath jokes in Kannada with Akshata Murty about Rishi Sunak: ‘Gothagalla avarge’)Akshata Murty nostalgic about Bengaluru food, childhood memoriesThe conversation also turned lighter as the trio reminisced about Bengaluru, where Murty grew up. Kamath brought up local favourites, asking, “Do you remember Dosa Camp?”“Yes, I remember the day it opened. They used to put everything in the dosa – mushrooms, ba corn, everything you could think of,” Murty said.She also fondly recalled iconic dessert spot Corner House. “Oh my God. Death Chocolate… yes, they still have it. My kids had it two days ago,” she added.