Vijay Mallya: Businessman, Entrepreneur, and Scam Artist?

1 year ago / by Team SEEMA
Vijay Mallya
Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Vijay Mallya is the former Chairman of United Breweries Group. During the 80s and 90s, he was very successful and was hailed as one of India’s best businessmen. He was quite popular and purchased a Formula One racing team at one point in time. For a while, it seemed like nothing could go wrong, and then the tables turned.

In 2012, his airline, Kingfisher Airlines, was shut down due to its substantial debt. This resulted in the company being investigated for financial irregularities. Mallya disputed all of the claims and left the country in 2016 when the Debt Recovery Tribunal began to move against him. In 2019, he was declared a fugitive under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. 

Mallya publicly denied all allegations against him in a statement and refused to return from the UK, where he found refuge upon leaving India. In 2020, India succeeded in beginning the extradition process but ultimately failed to win the case. That resulted in the Indian government being unable to bring him back to India. Mallya’s defense team asked for asylum for him but was unable to officially secure it. 

The last major movement in the case was in 2021 when various resources of Mallya’s were seized and sold to pay the debts. Mallya was very quiet about this occurrence and still chooses to remain in the UK. Once all of his seized assets are sold, it’s believed that the debt will be fully paid and require no further action. Mallya’s silence in 2021 was considered unusual, he had previously chosen to document the case on Twitter. 

While Vijay Mallya is mainly known for his legal troubles, that’s certainly not the entire story of his life. Long before he fought the law, he was a well-respected businessman and person. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the man behind the news articles. Here are a few facts that would definitely appear in the biography of Vijay Mallya.

Who Is Vijay Mallya Married To?

Vijay Mallya is currently married to Rekha Mallya. She is a social worker who was born in the city of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. She was married twice before, and Vijay was married once before. Vijay and Rekha were married in 1993 and have remained together throughout the struggles of the last decade.

Does Vijay Mallya Have Children?

Mallya has four children, three daughters, and one son. All three daughters, Tanya, Leanna, and Laila, were born once Vijay had married Rekha. His son, Siddharth, is from a previous marriage to Samira Tyabjee. 

Where Was Vijay Mallya Born?

Vijay Mallya was born in Kolkata, India, on December 18th, 1955. He was born to Vittal Mallya and Lalitha Ramaiah. Vittal was a well-known entrepreneur and Lalitha was a homemaker. The couple was very traditional and had an arranged marriage. Vittal was the Chairman of United Breweries Group until his death.

Where Did Vijay Mallya Go To School?

Mallya was educated at La Martinière Calcutta and then attended university at St. Xavier’s College, in Kolkata. While at La Martinière Calcutta he was named House Captain of Hastings house. 

Has Vijay Mallya Been Arrested?

Mallya was arrested in London, England, in 2017. This was in relation to an extradition warrant. Despite the Indian government’s best attempts, they were unable to successfully extradite him for trial. He was later charged for money crimes as a result of being unable to pay debts related to his failed airline. The debt amounted to over a billion dollars. This issue was settled when the Enforcement Directorate sold off Mallya’s shares in United Breweries. 

When Did Vijay Mallya Start His Career?

Vijay began his career at the United Breweries Group. He took over as Chairman after his father, Vittal Mallya, died. 

What Are Vijay Mallya’s Hobbies?

Mallya’s hobbies include:

  • Horse breeding
  • Car racing
  • Learning languages
  • Listening to vintage music

Where Does Vijay Mallya’s Family Live?

Most of Mallya’s family lives in England and the United States. He says that this is part of the reason that he feels no need to return to India. He hasn’t been back to his home country since he left it in 2016 and states that he has no plans to return.

Vijay Mallya has been in the news many times due to his financial crimes. For the time being, the situation seems to have been resolved. Only time will tell if there’s more to be learned about the business activities of Mallya.