Vijay Mallya

About

Vijay Vittal Mallya is an Indian businessman, former politician, and the former chairman of the multi-national conglomerate United Breweries Group (UB Group). Often referred to as the 'King of Good Times' due to his extravagant lifestyle, Mallya took over the leadership of the UB Group in 1983 at the age of 28 following the sudden demise of his father, Vittal Mallya. Under his stewardship, the group expanded significantly into a sprawling enterprise with a primary focus on alcoholic beverages, establishing Kingfisher as a globally recognized beer brand.

Beyond his core liquor business, Mallya aggressively diversified into several industries, most notably launching the premium commercial carrier Kingfisher Airlines in 2005. He also made substantial investments in global sports, serving as the co-owner of the Force India Formula One racing team and owning the Royal Challengers Bangalore cricket franchise in the Indian Premier League. Mallya also engaged in public service, serving twice as an independent Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing Karnataka.

His business empire faced severe distress following the financial collapse of Kingfisher Airlines, which ceased operations in 2012 after accumulating enormous debts. Accused by Indian state authorities of financial irregularities, money laundering, and bank fraud, Mallya left India for the United Kingdom in 2016. He has since been the subject of an intense extradition effort by the government of India, while navigating bankruptcy and legal proceedings in British courts.

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