**Vijay Mallya Expresses Gratitude for Podcast Success Amid Controversy**
Vijay Mallya, the former owner of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, has shared his thoughts on the overwhelming response to his recent podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani. The podcast, titled “Vijay Mallya Podcast: Rise & Downfall Of Kingfisher Airlines, Loans & RCB,” has amassed an impressive 20 million views on YouTube within just four days, along with numerous clips circulating on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on June 10, Mallya expressed his heartfelt appreciation, stating, “To say that I am humbled and overwhelmed is well short of what I truly feel. A big heartfelt thank you to all those who took the time to watch my 4-hour-plus podcast with @rajshamani. 20 million views on YouTube alone in 4 days, and God knows how many more reposts on Instagram and Facebook fill my heart with joy that my true factual story is being heard. May God bless you all.”
Mallya, who left India in 2016 amid allegations of defaulting on bank loans exceeding ₹9,000 crore, used the podcast as a platform to deny the accusations against him. He also offered a rare apology to his former employees while reflecting on the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines. During the discussion, he elaborated on his first media appearance in nearly a decade, the rise and fall of his airline, and the establishment of the IPL franchise RCB.
When asked by Shamani if he would consider returning to India if assured of fair treatment, Mallya replied, “If I am assured, absolutely I will. I will think about it seriously.”
Addressing the allegations of financial misconduct, Mallya stated, “You may call me a fugitive for not going to India post-March, but I didn’t run away. I flew on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons that I consider valid… so if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’ (thief) coming from? Where is the ‘chori’ (theft)?”
Currently residing in Britain, Mallya is engaged in a protracted legal battle with lenders and Indian authorities following the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines in 2012. He faces accusations of defrauding a consortium of Indian banks of over ₹9,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) through loans extended to his airline. In February, he informed the Karnataka High Court that the ₹6,200 crore debt owed to the banks has been recovered “multiple times over” and requested a detailed statement of accounts regarding the amounts recovered from him, his liquidated company United Breweries, and other certificate debtors.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the main topic of Vijay Mallya’s podcast?**
A: The podcast discusses the rise and fall of Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya’s experiences, and his connection to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), along with addressing allegations against him.
