Top 10+ Interesting Facts About Vijay Mallya: Q&A Breakdown

Vijay Mallya has long been one of India’s most controversial business figures. In this post, we break down the most asked questions about him—from business holdings to legal status—in an easy Q&A format.

1. Who is Vijay Mallya?

Answer: An Indian entrepreneur known for his empire in liquor, aviation, and sports. He formerly chaired United Breweries and launched Kingfisher Airlines.

2. Why is he called the “King of Good Times”?

Answer: The nickname stems from Kingfisher's branding and his high-flying lifestyle filled with yachts, jets, and lavish events.

3. What happened to Kingfisher Airlines?

Answer: Launched in 2005, the airline shut down in 2012 after failing to repay debts, leading to a massive financial crisis.

4. What legal issues is he facing?

Answer: He's accused of defaulting on loans worth over ₹9,000 crore. In 2016, he left India and has since been fighting extradition from the UK.

5. Is he still the owner of RCB?

Answer: No, RCB is now owned by United Spirits (Diageo). Mallya no longer has any stake in the franchise.

6. How much loan does he still need to pay?

Answer: Mallya owes more than ₹9,000 crore to Indian banks. Asset recovery is still in process via Indian courts.

7. Was Vijay Mallya the owner of Berger Paints?

Answer: Yes. United Breweries held a stake until 1991 when it was sold to the Dhingra family. He no longer owns it.

8. Does he still own United Breweries?

Answer: No. Diageo owns the controlling stake. Mallya stepped down from all roles in 2012.

9. What is Vijay Mallya's current net worth?

Answer: Hard to estimate due to frozen assets and legal hurdles, but most of his wealth has been seized.

10. What is his political history?

Answer: He served in Rajya Sabha (2002–2016) with support from BJP and JD(S), though controversy always followed.

Final Thoughts

Once a symbol of India’s elite, Vijay Mallya’s downfall is a cautionary tale in corporate responsibility, debt management, and media trials.