Table Of Contents
Hello everyone!
If you have been on social media this year, you have likely come across the massive buzz from Raj Shamani’s podcast with Vijay Mallya.
That four-plus-hour conversation went viral, racking up over 20 million views in just days (and climbing higher since).
It sparked endless discussions, but one question stands out: How can a popular YouTuber casually bump into Mallya in London and record such an in-depth interview? At the same time, the Indian authorities have not succeeded in bringing him back after nearly a decade.
It is a valid point that has left many feeling puzzled and frustrated, given the scale of the financial issues involved.
Let us break it down clearly and step by step, with the freshest updates as of December 2025.
The Backstory: From “King of Good Times” To Fugitive
Vijay Mallya was once synonymous with glamour, building the Kingfisher beer empire, launching the iconic calendars, owning Royal Challengers Bangalore (which finally won the IPL in 2025!), and even a Formula 1 team.
He served as a Rajya Sabha MP too. But the launch of Kingfisher Airlines in the mid-2000s changed everything.
The airline grounded operations in 2012, leaving behind loan defaults exceeding ₹9,000 crore, primarily to public sector banks.
Facing charges of fraud and money laundering, Mallya left India in March 2016.
He was declared a Fugitive Economic Offender in 2019, enabling asset confiscations.
The Viral Podcast That Sparked The Debate
In June 2025, Raj Shamani dropped his “Figuring Out” episode featuring Mallya.
Shamani recounted spotting Mallya on a London walk, approaching him (Mallya initially unaware of podcasts), and securing the interview.
They discussed his upbringing, business empire, the airline’s collapse, RCB anecdotes, and the loans.
Mallya apologized to former employees for unpaid salaries, claimed banks recovered over ₹14,131 crore from his assets (surpassing the original judgment debt), and said he would return if guaranteed a fair trial.
The episode exploded, with Mallya himself thanking viewers for the overwhelming response.
Meanwhile, recent images from his 70th birthday celebration in London, hosted by fellow fugitive Lalit Modi, show him living openly, further highlighting the contrast.
Personal Access vs. Extradition: The Core Difference
| Aspect | Personal Meeting | Extradition |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Just a conversation – no legal barriers | Formal government-to-government process under a treaty |
| Barriers | None, if the person agrees | Court approvals, appeals, and human rights reviews |
| Mallya’s Status | On bail in the UK, free to walk, meet people, party | Approved in 2019, appeals lost by 2020; stalled by “confidential” UK matters (possibly asylum-related) |
| Timeframe | Immediate (Shamani approached casually) | Years-long delays |
Mallya is not hiding or restricted – he is out on bail, enjoying relative freedom.
A private individual like Shamani can reach out without hurdles.
Extradition, however, involves complex international law.
UK courts approved it years ago, but ongoing confidential proceedings have kept him in the UK.
Latest Developments: December 2025 Court Updates
On December 23, 2025, the Bombay High Court heard Mallya’s petitions challenging his fugitive status and the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act’s validity.
The bench made it clear: They will not fully entertain the challenges unless Mallya returns to India and submits to the court’s jurisdiction.
His lawyer was asked to file an affidavit stating when he plans to return.
The government informed the court that extradition proceedings are at an “advanced stage.”
The matter is adjourned to February 12, 2026.
On Recoveries: Authorities have realized around ₹14,131 crore from asset sales – more than the Debt Recovery Tribunal’s judged amount of ₹6,203 crore (principal plus interest).
Mallya highlights this as over-recovery, but criminal proceedings for fraud and money laundering continue separately.
Trivia
Vijay Mallya’s luxurious yacht, the Indian Empress, once a symbol of his opulent parties with celebrities, was seized and auctioned off as part of debt recovery efforts.
This case underscores the frustrations with cross-border legal processes.
Even with judicial approvals, delays from appeals and confidential issues can prolong resolution indefinitely.
What is your view on this ongoing saga?
Do you think resolution is near, or will delays persist?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
For more in-depth articles on business, finance, and current affairs in India, explore our collection at THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA.
About The Author
