The King of Good Times Speaks Out Vijay Mallya, once dubbed the “King of Good Times,” is a former Indian businessman and politician whose flamboyant lifestyle and business ventures made him a household name. Born on December 18, 1955, Mallya inherited the United Breweries Group, transforming it into a conglomerate with interests in alcohol, aviation, and sports. He founded Kingfisher Airlines and owned the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL team, but his empire crumbled with the 2012 collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, leading to allegations of fraud and money laundering worth ₹9,000 crore. Fleeing to the UK in 2016, Mallya has been a fugitive, fighting extradition and legal battles. His rare public appearance on Raj Shamani’s podcast in June 2025, after nine years of silence, has taken social media by storm, amassing over 3.5 million views. But why is this podcast so viral, and what makes it special?
The Viral Phenomenon – Why the Buzz?
The podcast, titled Vijay Mallya Podcast: Rise & Downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, Loans & RCB, is a four-hour, unfiltered deep dive into Mallya’s life, offering a platform for him to share his side of a story long dominated by media narratives. Its virality stems from several factors. First, Mallya’s candidness—denying fraud allegations, apologizing to former Kingfisher employees, and claiming banks recovered ₹14,100 crore against a ₹6,203 crore debt—sparked heated online debates. Social media erupted with reactions, from admiration for his openness to skepticism about a PR stunt. Posts on X praised Shamani’s ability to secure such an exclusive interview, with one user noting, “Raj Shamani just pulled off what no journalist could in 9 years” (). The podcast’s timing, following RCB’s IPL 2025 win, amplified its reach, as Mallya’s congratulatory posts had already reignited public interest.
Specialty of the Podcast: A Masterclass in Storytelling
What sets this podcast apart is Shamani’s skillful interviewing. Known for his YouTube channel Figuring Out, Shamani’s empathetic yet probing style allowed Mallya to discuss sensitive topics—Kingfisher’s collapse, his legal battles, and even his vintage car collection—without judgment. The four-hour runtime, longer than most Bollywood films, captivated audiences in an era of short attention spans. Clips shared as Instagram reels highlighted Mallya’s revelations, like his claim of being scapegoated and his willingness to return to India for a fair trial. Netizens lauded Shamani’s preparation, with one commenting, “This will be Raj Shamani’s biggest podcast. Kudos for the groundwork!” (). The podcast’s raw emotion and Mallya’s defense against being labeled a “chor” (thief) resonated, challenging preconceived notions.
A Story of Redemption or Controversy?
Imagine Vijay Mallya, once India’s flamboyant tycoon, sitting in a London studio, facing Raj Shamani’s camera. The world watches as he recounts his rise from inheriting a liquor empire to launching Kingfisher Airlines, a symbol of luxury. He speaks of the 2008 financial crisis and political pressures, alleging then-Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee discouraged downsizing (). Tears well up as he apologizes to employees who lost jobs, insisting he never intended to default. Social media splits—some see a man seeking redemption, others a calculated image cleanup. Industrialist Harsh Goenka’s support on X, calling out selective justice, fuels the fire (). As Mallya hints at returning to India if assured a fair trial, the podcast becomes more than an interview—it’s a cultural moment, reshaping narratives in a polarized digital age.