This man once successfully led Kissan, Berger Paints, Cadbury, his net worth was…, Vijay Mallya is his....

India.com

08-06-2025

Vijay Mallya (File)
New Delhi: Vijay Mallya, once dubbed the 'King of Good Times', recently grabbed headlines after his first interview since 2013, in a conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani, where he discussed a wide range of topics. In his four-hour-long video podcast aired on Thursday, Mallya claimed he made four settlement offers between 2012, following the collapse of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, and 2015, which the banks 'refused to accept'.
After taking up the role of United Breweries Group chairman at the age of 28, the liquor baron expanded into various sectors, including aviation, beverages, and real estate. Known as the 'King of Good Times,' the journey of the successful businessman to a fugitive has been full of controversies.
According to Forbes, his estimated net worth was around $750 million in 2013. In contrast, Vijay Mallya's most recent net worth estimate, as reported by the Independent UK in July 2022, was approximately USD 1.2 billion. Vijay Mallya's Father:
Vijay Mallya's father, late Vittal Mallya, was a known name in the world of business entrepreneurship and made his name by creating a big empire with a focus on the alcohol industry. Vittal led big brands Kissan, Cadbury, Berger Paints, Hindustan Polymers, Mangalore Fertilisers, British Paints and Mysore Electro-Chemical Works.
Vittal Mallya had a huge impact on Vijay Mallya's life. Both Vittal and Vijay's school and education had taken place in Calcutta, and Vijay, after nine years, recently spoke about his bond with his late dad, Vittal, his strictness, the differences that the father, son had and how Vittal was known to be a frugal spender.
Vijay, in a recent podcast of Raj Shamani, spoke about his father and said that Vittal studied in Dune school, topped his class and expected Vijay to also do the same. Vijay then shared what his father told him that made him take his academics seriously. In his words:
'Nevertheless, he said something to me that I think I remember till today. Two things made a profound impact- one, if you are not good enough, you are not going to step into my shoes. The second thing he said was, Do you realise that while I say step into my shoes, there may not be any shoes at all, because then there is the government and social policies may have taken everything away from us. The only thing I can leave to you is your education, so take it seriously. I think I repaid some amount of it because for my last three years in school, I think I came within the top three in class, and he was very happy about it,' Vijay Mallya.
'He was a man of few words. He did one thing that embarrassed me no end. Every time he saw me, he gave a big kiss on my cheek. Whether it was at the airport, office, or home, he would give me a hug and a big kiss on the cheek. Bless him for that,' he added. Vijay Mallya's personal life
Mallya married Sameera Tyabji in 1986, though their marriage ended a year later. In 1993, he tied the knot with Rekha Mallya, and the couple has three children – Siddharth, Leanna, and Tanya.