In a rare and highly anticipated podcast episode, Vijay Mallya sat down with Indian entrepreneur and podcaster Raj Shamani, offering his side of the story for the first time in nearly a decade. The conversation, which quickly gained millions of views, gave audiences a front-row seat to the man behind one of India’s most controversial financial scandals.
Mallya spoke at length about the rise and fall of Kingfisher Airlines, the loans he says were unfairly labeled as defaults, and his emotional connection to the brand he built. He also addressed his departure from India, stating clearly that he never fled, but left with full disclosure and has always been willing to return under the right legal assurances.
What made the episode truly stand out was its emotional tone. Mallya offered a public apology to the employees of Kingfisher Airlines, stating he never intended for them to suffer. He also reflected on the toll the entire saga has taken on his personal life and reputation. His statement, “Call me a fugitive if you want, but where’s the evidence that I stole anything?” sparked massive discussion online.
Though the podcast received praise for its openness, some criticized it for lacking tough questions or investigative depth. Nonetheless, for many, it offered a unique perspective into the man behind the headlines—making it one of the most talked-about podcast episodes in India this year.