Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has ignited online debate with a light-hearted but widely circulated comment, suggesting that ancient India had 'flying cars' 5,000 years before Elon Musk. The remark came during an interview promoting his highly anticipated film, Ramayana, where he portrays Lord Rama.
Kapoor's Viral Comparison
During a special interview with TV presenter Suma on her show 'Chat Show,' Kapoor referenced Elon Musk's recent demonstration of Tesla's redesigned Roadster, which Musk hinted could achieve flight with rocket-style thrusters. "Elon Musk recently invented a flying car. I think India did it 5,000 years ago!" Kapoor stated, referring to the Pushpaka Vimana described in Hindu epics.
The actor's comment quickly gained traction on social media, prompting a mix of amusement and discussion as users weighed in on the comparison between mythological concepts and modern engineering. The interaction occurred just days before the November 5, 2026, release of Ramayana, amplifying buzz around the film.
The Mythological Pushpaka Vimana
The Pushpaka Vimana is a legendary aerial vehicle featured prominently in Hindu texts, including the Valmiki Ramayana. It is depicted as a divine, self-moving chariot associated with Ravana, the antagonist in the epic. In Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic adaptation of Ramayana, the Pushpaka Vimana is set to play a crucial role, particularly in the epic Ravana-Jatayu battle sequence.
Director Nitesh Tiwari revealed that the film's production team dedicated nearly two years to developing the visual design of the Pushpaka Vimana, exploring dozens of concepts before finalizing its on-screen appearance. The elaborate Ravana-Jatayu sequence itself reportedly took approximately six-and-a-half years to complete, involving thousands of VFX artists from DNEG meticulously refining every frame.
Context of the Film's Release
Kapoor's remarks come at a high-visibility moment for Ramayana, with the actor leading promotional efforts in the final week before its theatrical debut. While his statement framed the ancient description as an early 'flying car,' it underscores the ambitious visual interpretation of the epic undertaken by the filmmakers, bringing legendary elements like the Pushpaka Vimana to life for a global audience.