Vijay Mallya Biography
Vijay Mallya is one of India’s most controversial and talked-about business tycoons. Once hailed as the “King of Good Times,” Mallya built an empire that spanned liquor, airlines, Formula 1 racing, and cricket. With his extravagant lifestyle, expensive parties, and business ambitions, he captured national and international attention. However, his dramatic fall from grace due to mounting debts and legal troubles made headlines just as much as his rise.
Vijay Mallya Early Life and Background
Vijay Vittal Mallya was born on December 18, 1955, in Kolkata, India. He was the only son of Vittal Mallya, a renowned industrialist and former chairman of the United Breweries Group (UB Group).
Vijay Mallya Education
Vijay Mallya attended La Martinière College in Kolkata and later graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Xavier’s College, University of Calcutta. During his student years, he showed interest in entrepreneurship and leadership, traits that would define his future career.
Vijay Mallya Career and Business Ventures
United Breweries Group
After the death of his father in 1983, Mallya became the chairman of United Breweries Group at the age of 28. He expanded the group’s operations, especially in the alcoholic beverages industry. Under his leadership, Kingfisher beerbecame a household name in India and gained recognition internationally.
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Kingfisher Airlines
In 2005, Vijay Mallya launched Kingfisher Airlines, envisioned as a luxury airline offering top-tier service. Although it initially gained popularity, the airline began to face severe financial difficulties due to high operational costs and poor business strategy. By 2012, Kingfisher Airlines had grounded all flights and lost its license to operate.
Other Ventures
Vijay Mallya’s interests weren’t limited to liquor and aviation:
- Owned Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Co-owned Force India, a Formula One racing team.
- Held political office as a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) representing Karnataka.
Net Worth of Vijay Mallya
Peak Net Worth
At his peak, Vijay Mallya’s estimated net worth was over $1 billion. His wealth stemmed primarily from his holdings in the United Breweries Group and other business ventures. He owned luxury yachts, private jets, palatial homes, and even hosted star-studded parties.
Vijay Mallya Decline in Wealth
Mallya’s net worth took a massive hit after Kingfisher Airlines defaulted on loans from several Indian banks. He owed approximately ₹9,000 crore (over $1.1 billion) to a consortium of Indian banks.
Vijay Mallya Current Net Worth (Estimate)
Despite his legal troubles, Mallya still holds significant assets. As of recent estimates:
- Net Worth: Approximately $500–600 million.
- Owns equity in companies like United Breweries.
- Properties in India, UK, South Africa, and France.
- Art collections, luxury vehicles, and jewelry.
However, a significant portion of his assets has been frozen or seized by authorities and courts in both India and the UK.
Vijay Mallya Age, Family & Personal Life
How Old Is Vijay Mallya?
As of August 2025, Vijay Mallya is 69 years old.
Vijay Mallya Spouse(s)
Vijay Mallya has been married twice and is reportedly in a relationship:
- Sameera Tyabjee – His first wife was a former Air India air hostess. They married in 1986 and divorced in less than a year.
- Rekha Mallya – His second wife. They married in the 1990s, and she is the mother of some of his children.
- Pinky Lalwani – Though not legally married, Pinky Lalwani has been his long-time partner. She was also a former air hostess with Kingfisher Airlines.
Vijay Mallya Children
Vijay Mallya has three known children:
- Siddharth Mallya – His only son, born in 1987. Siddharth is a model, actor, and businessman. He has been associated with RCB and Kingfisher Calendar.
- Leila and Tanya Mallya – His daughters from his second marriage. They have maintained a relatively low public profile.
Vijay Mallya Legal Troubles and Extradition
Loan Defaults and Bank Cases
Mallya came under intense scrutiny after defaulting on massive loans tied to Kingfisher Airlines. Banks accused him of willful default and began legal proceedings to recover the funds.
Leaving India and Life in the UK
In March 2016, Mallya left India, reportedly on the pretext of attending a business meeting. Since then, he has been residing in the United Kingdom, fighting extradition requests made by the Indian government.
Extradition Hearings
In 2020, a UK court ruled in favor of Mallya’s extradition. However, due to ongoing legal procedures and appeals, he remains in the UK as of 2025. His case has become a benchmark for high-profile financial crime investigations in India.
Vijay Mallya Properties and Luxury Lifestyle
Despite asset seizures, Mallya still has access to various luxury possessions:
- Kingfisher Villa in Goa: Known for lavish parties and celebrity gatherings.
- Mansions in London: Including a property at Cornwall Terrace, worth tens of millions.
- Private jets and yachts
- High-end cars: Including Ferrari, Bentley, and Rolls Royce.
- Art collection: Mallya owns rare Indian artifacts and global artworks.
His flamboyant lifestyle once made him a fixture in Page 3 culture, often compared to the likes of Richard Branson and Donald Trump.
Vijay Mallya Public Perception
Vijay Mallya’s journey from a successful entrepreneur to a wanted economic offender has sparked debates across India. While some admire his charisma and business acumen, many see him as a symbol of unchecked corporate excess.
The public anger grew stronger when news surfaced of lavish expenditures even after defaulting on public money. Social media has kept his story alive with memes, debates, and even Bollywood references.
Interesting Facts About Vijay Mallya
- He once bought the sword of Tipu Sultan at a London auction and brought it back to India.
- He has been a member of several international business councils.
- He once said: “You can’t run a business only on a spreadsheet; you need passion too.”
Conclusion
Vijay Mallya’s life is a tale of highs and lows — from billion-dollar success and political clout to lawsuits and global headlines for financial fraud. His charisma and extravagant lifestyle made him a household name, but his alleged financial misconduct turned him into a cautionary tale in the world of business.
While his net worth today is still considerable, it is a shadow of what it once was. And though he lives in luxury abroad, the long arm of the law continues to follow him.
