Vijay Mallya, a businessman who left India in 2016, spoke for the first time in years on a YouTuber Raj Shamani’s podcast called Figuring Out on June 5, 2025. The four-hour talk is getting a lot of attention.
Kingfisher Airlines’ Story
Mallya talked about starting Kingfisher Airlines in 2005 to make flying special in India. He said it did well at first, but buying another airline, Air Deccan, in 2007 caused problems. High fuel prices and money troubles led to the airline shutting down. Mallya said he put ₹3,000 crore of his own money into it and didn’t steal anything, though many think he did.
Saying Sorry to Workers
Mallya got emotional when asked about Kingfisher’s unpaid workers. At first, he was upset, saying he lost his own money too. But then he apologized sincerely, saying, “I’m really sorry for what happened to them.” He blamed legal issues for not being able to pay salaries, as his money was blocked.
Being Called a “Fugitive” and “Thief”
Mallya accepted being called a “fugitive” because he left India during legal cases. But he strongly denied being a “thief.” He said the media made him look like a bad guy, focusing on his fancy lifestyle, like his big 60th birthday party, instead of the real reasons his airline failed.
Money and Bank Debts
Mallya claimed that the ₹9,000 crore Kingfisher owed banks has been paid back, even more than owed—around ₹14,100 crore—through selling his assets. He said banks got their money, as even the Finance Minister mentioned in 2020. But he questioned why his legal troubles continue, mentioning a recent UK court loss on April 9, 2025.
IPL and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Mallya was proud of starting RCB in 2008 and picking players like Virat Kohli. He was thrilled about RCB’s IPL win in 2025. Some people on X praised his role in RCB, while others criticized him for unpaid debts, especially after he posted about the team’s victory.
Coming Back to India
When asked if he’d return to India, Mallya said he’d consider it if he gets a fair trial and respect. He’s worried about unfair treatment and bad media coverage. He’s been living in the UK, fighting legal cases to avoid being sent back to India, where he faces fraud charges for over ₹11,101 crore.
His Image and Media
Mallya said the media twisted his “King of Good Times” image to make him seem careless. He shared stories about his strict childhood to show he’s not just a party guy. He feels the media unfairly made him a villain instead of showing his business efforts.
Online Reactions
The podcast is a big deal on X, with people calling it “honest” and “bold.” Some like that Mallya shared his side, while others don’t believe him. With RCB’s win and other big news, the podcast is likely to keep trending on June 6, 2025.
In Short
Mallya’s podcast with Raj Shamani is his first big talk in years, where he defends himself, apologizes to workers, and shares his side of the story. It’s got India talking, but his legal fights and public image keep him controversial.
Sources: Hindustan Times, The New Indian Express, Times Now, LatestLY, X posts
Last Updated on: Friday, June 6, 2025 12:15 pm by K Nikhil | Published by: K Nikhil on Friday, June 6, 2025 7:25 am | News Categories: News
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