Vijay Mallya breaks internet after 9 years: His explosive podcast hits 20 million views in 4 days

The most controversial comeback story of 2025, here's what he said

Last updated:
Surabhi Vasundharadevi, Social Media Reporter
2 MIN READ
Vijay Mallya breaks internet after 9 years: His explosive podcast hits 20 million views in 4 days

Dubai: After nearly a decade of silence, businessman Vijay Mallya has made headlines once again – this time through a marathon 4-hour podcast that's taking social media by storm. The former Kingfisher Airlines owner and ex-RCB chief sat down with popular YouTuber Raj Shamani for what many are calling the most anticipated interview of the year.

The numbers speak for themselves. Within just four days of its release, the podcast crossed 20 million views on YouTube alone, with countless clips circulating across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The sheer scale of engagement has left even Mallya himself stunned.

An emotional response from the businessman

Taking to social media platform X on June 10th, Mallya expressed his overwhelming gratitude to viewers. In a heartfelt post, he wrote about being 'humbled and overwhelmed' by the response, thanking everyone who took the time to watch his extended conversation with Raj Shamani. He specifically mentioned how the massive viewership brought him joy, knowing that his 'true factual story' was finally being heard by millions.

The podcast, titled focusing on the rise and downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, loans controversy, and his association with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, marks Mallya's first extensive public appearance in nine years. For someone who once dominated headlines as one of India's most flamboyant businessmen, this digital comeback has certainly made waves.

The man behind the controversy speaks

During the extensive interview, Mallya didn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room – the financial allegations that forced him to leave India in 2016. Facing fraud and money laundering charges amounting to over ₹9,000 crore, Mallya took this rare opportunity to clear the air. He vehemently denied all allegations while offering a rare public apology to his former employees.

The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from his childhood and business empire-building to the glamorous Kingfisher Calendar and his passion for fast cars. Most significantly, when asked about the possibility of returning to India, Mallya gave a conditional response that's generating significant discussion online.

A potential return to India?

Perhaps the most newsworthy moment came when Shamani asked about his willingness to return to the country. Mallya's response was cautious but definitive: if assured of fair treatment, he would seriously consider coming back. This statement has sparked fresh debates about justice, fair trials, and the complex legal battles that have kept him in Britain for nearly a decade.

Currently residing in the UK, Mallya continues to fight an ongoing legal battle with Indian lenders and authorities following Kingfisher Airlines' collapse in 2012. His case involves allegations of defrauding a consortium of Indian banks, with the debt amount being a significant point of contention between different parties.

The internet's divided response

The podcast has received significant criticism, with people questioning whether individuals like Mallya should be given platforms to speak, with some calling it 'image laundering'. The online reaction has been polarised – while some viewers express sympathy after hearing his side of the story, others remain sceptical of his narrative.

Social media platforms are buzzing with reaction videos, analysis posts, and heated debates about the businessman's claims. The massive engagement numbers suggest that regardless of people's opinions, there's an undeniable curiosity about hearing from one of India's most controversial business figures.

Surabhi Vasundharadevi
Surabhi VasundharadeviSocial Media Reporter
Surabhi is a social media reporter with almost a decade of experience in the field of journalism. She’s all about trending stories, while being a full-on car and bike enthusiast. If it’s got wheels or horsepower, Surabhi is interested. She also enjoys writing about cool tech and tasty food—basically, anything that makes life more exciting. Whether she’s exploring new recipes, or spotting the next big online trend, Surabhi is all about creating content that’s fun to read, easy to share, and always on point with what’s hot right now. Have a story to share with her? Reach out to Surabhi on svasundharadevi@gulfnews.com
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