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In a rare and unfiltered public appearance, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya shared his side of the story in a four-hour podcast with influencer and entrepreneur Raj Shamani. Titled “Vijay Mallya Podcast: Rise and Downfall Of Kingfisher Airlines, Loans and RCB,” the episode rapidly gained traction online, amassing nearly 3 million views within a short span of time and generating intense debate on social media.

During the candid conversation, Mallya addressed a wide range of topics—from the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines and the emotional toll it took on him, to the allegations of fraud and money laundering totaling Rs 9,000 crore. Refuting the charges, he stated: "You may call me a fugitive, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons that I consider valid… so if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’ coming from? Where is the ‘chori’?"

Apology To Former Employees

Mallya also issued a rare apology to former Kingfisher Airlines employees, expressing deep regret over the airline’s financial failure. When asked about the possibility of returning to India, he remained non-committal but open: “If I have assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously.”

He also cited unfavorable detention conditions in India, referencing UK High Court rulings that blocked his extradition due to human rights concerns under the European Convention.

Mallya criticised the Indian business ecosystem, calling the ‘ease of doing business’ a misleading claim. He pointed to entrenched bureaucratic and political hurdles, saying he once had to maintain cordial ties with 29 Chief Ministers to ensure business continuity.

In February 2025, Mallya approached the Karnataka High Court, alleging that banks had already recovered over Rs 14,000 crore from his companies more than double the original Kingfisher debt of Rs 6,200 crore. A similar claim was made by Mallya in December 2024, when he stated that unless the Enforcement Directorate and banks could justify the excess recovery, he should receive legal relief.

Internet Reacts

The viral podcast ignited a range of online reactions. Many praised Shamani’s interviewing skills and Mallya’s openness. "Just finished watching the full 4.18-hour podcast, and honestly, it was nothing short of an eye-opener. Vijay Mallya spoke with clarity, grace, and deep emotion something we’ve rarely seen beyond the noise of sensational headlines. For years, we’ve only heard one side of the story, but this podcast gave space for the other side to be heard without drama or judgment. The fall of Kingfisher Airlines clearly wasn’t just a personal failure—it was deeply affected by the global financial crisis and strong political influence. The part where he mentions trusting Finance Minister truly stood out it’s heartbreaking how a decision encouraged at the highest levels can later be used as a reason to single someone out. Mallya’s calm apology to his employees and his call for dignity and a fair trial shows he is not shying away from responsibility, but is asking to be heard with fairness. Nobody deserves to be demonized without understanding the full context. Thank you Raj Shamani for conducting such a respectful, detailed, and grounded conversation this wasn’t just a podcast, it was a turning point in how we see media narratives. A true eye-opener and a bold step against the tide of one-sided stories," wrote one of the YouTube users.