In a wide-ranging, four-hour podcast with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, former liquor baron and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) founder Vijay Mallya has made headlines once again. Speaking candidly from London, where he has lived in self-imposed exile for years, Mallya expressed openness to returning to India—but only if certain conditions are met. The conversation also touched on his controversial past, ongoing legal battle, and emotional response to RCB’s long-awaited IPL title win.
In this article, we will look into the revelations made in this four-hour podcast with Raj Shamani and what this could potentially mean for Vijay Mallya.
Credits: News 18
“Not Afraid, But I Want a Fair Trial”
Mallya, often labeled a fugitive due to his loan default controversies, insisted that he didn’t flee India. Instead, he maintains he left for legitimate reasons and would consider returning—if guaranteed a fair trial and dignified treatment.
“If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously,” Mallya stated.
The 68-year-old former chairman of United Breweries is fighting multiple charges of financial misconduct, including allegations of defaulting on loans worth over Rs 9,000 crore. Despite extradition efforts from India, he continues to live in the UK, shielded by legal protections and ongoing appeals.
“Call Me a Fugitive, But Don’t Call Me a Thief”
During the interview, Mallya was particularly vocal about the labels attached to him by the media and public. While he acknowledged not returning to India, he dismissed the accusation of theft.
“Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons that I consider are valid… But where is the ‘chor’? Where is the ‘chori’?” he asked pointedly.
Mallya’s legal team has also been active. In February 2025, he filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court, asking for clarity on recovered assets. His counsel, senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, claimed that while Rs 6,200 crore was originally owed, a whopping Rs 14,000 crore has already been recovered, a figure he says was disclosed in Parliament by the Finance Minister.
RCB’s Emotional Victory: A Dream Realized from Afar
Despite the controversies surrounding him, Mallya’s deep emotional connection with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains intact. The team—which he founded and owned until 2016—clinched their first-ever IPL trophy this week by defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mallya reminisced about the franchise’s origins:
“When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru. I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster and it is remarkable that he has stayed with RCB for 18 years.”
Back in January 2008, during the inaugural IPL auction, Mallya famously picked a young Virat Kohli for the RCB squad. Kohli has since become synonymous with the team, embodying loyalty and leadership through thick and thin.
From Billionaire to Battleground: The Rise and Fall
Once known as India’s “King of Good Times,” Mallya’s downfall has been as dramatic as his rise. From managing a business empire and owning an F1 team and an IPL franchise, to now facing extradition and legal scrutiny, his saga is one of modern India’s most polarizing stories.
While the government continues its efforts to bring him back, Mallya’s latest statements indicate a possible shift in stance—one that hinges on how India responds to his demand for fairness and dignity.
Credits: MoneyControl
What’s Next?
Whether or not Vijay Mallya returns to India remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—he’s not staying silent anymore. From legal claims of over-recovery to emotional celebrations of RCB’s win, Mallya is slowly re-entering the public discourse, ready to defend his legacy and perhaps, reclaim his place—on his own terms.
