Vijay Vittal Mallya, once known as “The King of Good Times,” is a prominent figure in Indian business and politics. His life has been marked by both incredible success and significant controversy. This post delves into the details of his fascinating and complex journey.
Biography/Wiki
Born on December 18, 1955, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, Vijay Mallya received his education at La Martiniere Calcutta and St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1976. Following his father’s death, he took the helm of the United Breweries Group, transforming it into a multinational conglomerate.
Family, Wives & Caste
Mallya hails from a Konkani Brahmin Hindu family in Karnataka. His father, Vittal Mallya, was a renowned entrepreneur and the chairman of the United Breweries Group. Vijay Mallya has been married multiple times. His marriages include unions with Sameera Tyabjee, Rekha, and he is currently dating Pinky Lalwani.
Career
Mallya’s career began with internships at his family’s business and Hoechst AG in the United States. After inheriting the United Breweries Group in 1983, he expanded its alcohol business significantly, making it the largest spirits company in India with the iconic Kingfisher Beer brand. His ventures also included the unfortunately short-lived Kingfisher Airlines.
He also had a career in politics, serving as a Member of the Rajya Sabha. His political affiliations included the Akhil Bharata Janata Dal and the Janata Party, eventually becoming a member of the Rajya Sabha. He later resigned amidst various allegations.
Awards
Throughout his career, Mallya received several accolades, including:
- Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration
- Legion of Honour (France’s highest civilian award)
- Global Leader for Tomorrow (World Economic Forum)
- Entrepreneur of the Year (The Asian Awards)
Controversies
Kingfisher Airlines’ international expansion led to substantial losses, culminating in the airline’s closure and unpaid employee salaries. Subsequent loan defaults resulted in Mallya being declared a “wilful defaulter” under Indian law, facing accusations of fraud and money laundering. This led to legal battles, including extradition proceedings from the UK.
His legal battles involved allegations of defrauding multiple banks of significant sums. The complexities of these financial dealings and legal actions continue to shape his public image.
Net Worth/Assets
Mallya’s net worth was estimated at ?615 crore in 2014, but this has significantly fluctuated given the legal proceedings. His substantial assets included numerous properties worldwide.
Houses/Estate
Mallya’s real estate holdings were extensive, including properties in:
- Goa (Kingfisher Villa)
- Sausalito, California
- Sainte-Marguerite Island, France
- Kunigal, Karnataka (Stud Farm)
- New York (Trump Plaza Penthouse)
- Cape Town, South Africa (Clifton Estate)
- Mabula Game Lodge, South Africa
- Hertfordshire, England
- Perthshire, Scotland (Keillour Castle)
- Mumbai and New Delhi, India
Car & Jet Collection
Mallya owned a notable collection of luxury cars and private jets including several classic and high-performance vehicles and aircraft types.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Cars | Ferrari 1965 California Spyder, Jaguar XJ220, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, Rolls Royce |
| Jets | Boeing 727, Airbus A319 ACJ, Gulfstream III |
Favorites
Mallya’s preferences spanned various aspects of life, including a fondness for red, Bentley automobiles, specific Indian dishes, Ferrari Carano wine, and designer brands such as Armani and Valentino.
Facts
Known for his religious observance, Mallya regularly undertook pilgrimages. His interests included Formula 1 racing, horse breeding, and collecting unique items, such as Tipu Sultan’s sword and Mahatma Gandhi’s belongings. He is also a multilingual individual.
He also owned significant stakes in various sports teams, including football clubs and the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
