In a rare public appearance after nearly a decade, embattled businessman Vijay Mallya opened up in a podcast interview with content creator Raj Shamani, offering an emotional apology to former employees of Kingfisher Airlines while maintaining his innocence in the alleged bank fraud case.
The former liquor baron, who has been labelled a fugitive economic offender by Indian authorities, addressed several long-standing questions around his controversial exit from India, unpaid dues, and the downfall of his airline.
“I Take Full Responsibility” — Mallya’s Apology
When asked what he would say to former employees who lost their jobs and still harbor resentment, Mallya said:
“I am deeply sorry for what happened to them. I am deeply sorry that some of them didn’t get paid their salaries… I take full responsibility. I have no excuses to offer.”
Mallya also claimed that he had petitioned the court to release funds specifically to pay employee salaries, but alleged that both the court and banks blocked the move, despite having the money in reserve.
“I Didn’t Run Away” — On Being Called a Fugitive
Addressing the perception of having “fled” India, Mallya said:
“You may call me a fugitive, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a pre-scheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons I consider valid.”
He challenged the public narrative branding him as a “thief”:
“So if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’ coming from?”
Mallya on Return to India: Wants Assurance of Fair Trial
In a significant remark, Mallya expressed willingness to return to India under certain conditions:
“If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously.”
On the Rise and Fall of Kingfisher
The podcast also saw Mallya reflect on the rise of Kingfisher Airlines, once known for its luxurious branding, and its eventual collapse in 2012 due to mounting debts and regulatory pressure.
“I have spoken for the first time in nine years… I want to say sorry to employees of Kingfisher Airlines and also to set the record straight with facts and the truth,” Mallya wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a snippet of the interview.
On IPL and RCB: A Nod to Virat Kohli
Mallya also spoke about his early investment in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and his decision to back Virat Kohli as a young cricketer:
“It’s remarkable that Virat stayed with RCB for 18 years… I picked him as a youngster and believed in him.”
This candid interview marks Mallya’s first detailed public statement in nearly a decade, as he attempts to reshape the narrative around his legacy—offering a rare blend of contrition, defiance, and nostalgia.
Whether this signals a renewed legal strategy or simply a bid to reclaim his side of the story in the public sphere, one thing is certain: Vijay Mallya is not staying silent anymore.