Why This Vijay Mallya Podcast Episode Went Viral
It’s not every day that a controversial billionaire finally speaks up after years of silence. But when Vijay Mallya, the man once known as the “King of Good Times”, joined Raj Shamani on his podcast Figuring Out, the internet couldn’t look away.
And why would it? This 4-hour candid chat had everything-business wisdom, regret, ambition, and a fiery take on India’s startup ecosystem.
Mallya: “I’m a Fugitive, Not a Chor”
One of the biggest shockers? Vijay Mallya accepted being a fugitive-but firmly denied being a thief.
“If I’ve stolen money, show me where. Don’t just label me.”
He claimed that while he did leave India in 2016, he didn’t “run away.” He said he always had the intention to clear dues but was never given the chance.
For many listeners, this moment felt more like a courtroom confession than a podcast episode.
Brutal Truths About Doing Business in India
If you’ve ever tried building a startup in India, Mallya’s comments might sound painfully relatable.
He called the “ease of doing business in India a myth”, saying:
- He had to stay in touch with 29 Chief Ministers just to keep Kingfisher operational.
- Even after globalization, bureaucracy still controls progress.
- And regardless of the government in power, red tape hasn’t changed.
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The Rise and Fall of Kingfisher Airlines
Mallya also shared how the 2008 financial crisis shattered Kingfisher Airlines.
- He sought help from Pranab Mukherjee to downsize.
- He admitted the business needed restructuring but claimed banks wouldn’t listen.
- He apologized to employees who suffered due to unpaid salaries.
This part made many viewers reconsider his side of the story. It’s easy to judge headlines. It’s harder when you hear the human behind the scandal.
How Kingfisher Calendar Helped Launch Deepika & Katrina
One surprisingly fun segment? The story of the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar.
Mallya proudly said that models like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif first gained fame through this platform.
He saw the calendar as a brand storytelling tool-a way to mix lifestyle with marketing. And clearly, it worked.
Would He Return to India?
Mallya said he would consider returning to India only if:
- He’s guaranteed a fair trial.
- He’s not subjected to poor detention conditions (as the UK courts noted).
- His image is treated with dignity.
This answer sparked hot debates across LinkedIn and Twitter. Was this an image-cleansing move? Or a sincere step toward justice?
Beyond the Headlines
Whether you admire Vijay Mallya or disagree with everything he said, one thing’s certain-this podcast is a masterclass in crisis, business, and brand storytelling.
As entrepreneurs, we often hear “fail fast, learn faster.” But what happens when your fall becomes national news?
This podcast makes you think beyond numbers and into ethics, narrative, and human decisions.
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