Elon Musk calls Ratan Tata a ‘Gentleman and Scholar’ must watch retro viral video

As India and the world mourn the passing of Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Group, a 2009 interview featuring Tesla CEO Elon Musk has gained widespread attention on social media. In the video, Musk praises Tata, calling him a “gentleman and scholar.”

He fulfilled his promise to build the world's cheapest car.

- Ratan Tata wanted to build a car, which the middle class of India could afford and so he delivered on his promise and launched Tata Nano for just $1,200 (₹1 lakh) in 2008.

- @ElonMusk also shared his views on the… pic.twitter.com/QqTY5KuQLK

— Nico Garcia (@nicogarcia) August 26, 2024

A Touching Tribute in a Viral Clip

The video, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by user Nico Garcia, captures Musk in conversation with TV presenter Charlie Rose. The interview spotlights Tata’s ambitious launch of the Tata Nano, one of the most affordable cars of its time, and has struck a chord with many during this period of remembrance.

Nostalgia Over the Tata Nano

In the interview, Rose discusses Tata’s Rs 1 lakh car, the Tata Nano, and its potential impact on the automotive industry. He asks Musk, “Take for a moment Ratan Tata, what he’s doing in India—developing a little sedan for USD 2300. Where do you put that in the whole equation of where the future of cars is?”

Musk’s Admiration for Tata

Musk responds with high praise for Tata, saying, “I think it’s a good idea to have affordable cars, but I think the problem is with something like the Nano… I wouldn’t say it’s a problem because I think, by the way, it is probably a great idea and Ratan is a gentleman and scholar.” This statement has resonated with many viewers, adding warmth to the tributes.

A Foresight into Future Challenges

While Musk acknowledged the value of affordable cars like the Tata Nano, he also foresaw potential challenges: “But where it’s going to become challenging in the future is when the price of gasoline rises; the cost of acquiring the car is much less of an issue than the cost of running the car.” This insight adds context to the current shift towards electric vehicles, a market that Musk himself is leading.

Remembering a Visionary Leader

The resurfaced video has evoked nostalgia among many in India as the nation pays tribute to Ratan Tata, a visionary who transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse. The video serves as a reminder of Tata’s legacy and his significant contributions to the Indian automotive industry.

Tributes Pour In

On X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted, “Shri Ratan Tata Ji was a visionary business leader, a compassionate soul, and an extraordinary human being. He provided stable leadership to one of India’s oldest and most prestigious business houses. At the same time, his contribution went far beyond the boardroom. He endeared himself to several people thanks to his humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making our society better.”

This resurfaced interview not only celebrates Tata's contributions but also highlights the deep respect he earned from global leaders like Elon Musk.