Lavish London party for Vijay Mallya hosted by Lalit Modi sparks attention
Fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya was hosted at a lavish pre-birthday party in London by former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi, drawing attention amid continuing legal and financial proceedings against the former liquor baron in India. The gathering was held at Lalit Modi’s residence in Belgrave Square, London, a day ahead of Mallya’s birthday. Several prominent personalities were in attendance, including Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. Images from the event surfaced on social media, quickly triggering discussion back home.
International photographer Jim Rydell, who was present at the celebration, shared a photograph on social media platform X, thanking Lalit Modi for hosting what he described as a “fabulous pre-70th birthday party” in honour of Vijay Mallya at his London home. Lalit Modi responded to the post, expressing gratitude to guests for attending the celebration for his “friend Vijay Mallya.” Photographs from the evening showed Lalit Modi and Mallya dressed in blue suits. Rydell also shared an image of the invitation card, which featured a cartoon-style illustration of Mallya and described him as the “king of good times,” inviting guests to a “glamorous evening” in his honour.
The event has drawn sharp focus as Vijay Mallya remains one of India’s most high-profile economic fugitives. Earlier this month, the Union Government informed Parliament that 15 individuals declared Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs), including Mallya and diamond merchant Nirav Modi, have collectively caused a loss of nearly Rs26,645 crore to the Indian exchequer. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha that these individuals have been designated as FEOs under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018.
The figures shared by the Government reflect the principal amount owed to banks as of October 31, 2025. In addition to the principal loss, the interest accrued on these non-performing assets up to the same date amounts to around Rs31,437 crore, taking the overall financial impact to substantially higher levels. Mallya, the former head of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, has been living in the United Kingdom for several years while Indian authorities continue efforts to bring him back. The images from the London party have once again brought public attention to the contrast between Mallya’s social appearances abroad and the ongoing legal and financial cases linked to him in India.
