Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has sparked conversation with an intriguing remark about India's ancient mythology, comparing the legendary Pushpaka Vimana from the Hindu epic Ramayana to Elon Musk's recently showcased flying-car concept.
During a promotional interview for the upcoming film Ramayana, Ranbir, who portrays Lord Rama, remarked that while Elon Musk has recently introduced the idea of a flying car, India had imagined something similar 5,000 years ago.
"I think India did it 5,000 years ago," the actor said, referring to the mythical Pushpaka Vimana.
The Legend of Pushpaka Vimana
According to the Ramayana, the Pushpaka Vimana was a magnificent flying chariot or aerial palace with extraordinary capabilities. Hindu mythology describes it as capable of travelling at the speed of thought and expanding to accommodate passengers. The legendary vehicle was created by Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, and was originally associated with Lord Brahma before being given to Kubera, the god of wealth. According to the epic, Ravana later took possession of it after defeating Kubera. The remarkable flying structure has long captured the imagination of readers and storytellers, making it one of the most fascinating elements of ancient Indian mythology.
Elon Musk's Technology Enters the Conversation
Ranbir's comment came amid discussions about Tesla's next-generation Roadster, which Elon Musk recently showcased during an event in Texas. The demonstration featured an impressive aerial stunt involving the vehicle, drawing considerable attention online.
However, the Roadster's demonstration should not be confused with proof of a commercially operational flying car. Its proposed production timeline is 2028.
Two Years to Design the Mythical Aircraft for Ramayana
Director Nitesh Tiwari also revealed that his filmmaking team spent nearly two years developing the final design of the Pushpaka Vimana for the cinematic adaptation. He explained that the design underwent several changes during production, requiring adjustments to action sequences, particularly the battle involving Ravana and Jatayu. The film features an ensemble cast, including Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Ravi Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Hanuman.
The conversation has renewed interest in the technological imagination of ancient Indian epics and how filmmakers are bringing their extraordinary descriptions to modern cinema.
While the Pushpaka Vimana belongs to the realm of Hindu mythology rather than established archaeological evidence of ancient aviation, its enduring place in India's cultural imagination continues to inspire artists, filmmakers and audiences.