Five days after fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya, who has been criticised for alleged fraud and loan defaults, created a buzz through a video podcast with Raj Shamani, the founder of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, on Tuesday, expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming” response to the video. The podcast aired on June 5 had garnered over 20 million views.
“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 fills my heart with joy that my true factual story is being heard. May god bless you all,” he wrote on X.
See the post here:
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…
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) June 9, 2025
Mallya, who has been living in the United Kingdom since March 2016, had said in the podcast that he would “seriously consider” returning to India if he is assured of a fair trial and a dignified existence in his home country.
With nearly a million views, Mallya’s latest post quickly gained traction and prompted mixed reactions. “You deserve justice. Let’s see when GOI support you. Good luck,” a user wrote. “If you are really innocent a toy claim, hire the best lawyer, approach SC, and get a clean chit. You can then come back proudly with your head held high,” another user commented.
“You will always be remembered as a clown. That podcast had zero impact on mature people, only underage RCB fans might have believed it,” a third user reacted.
A key accused in a major bank loan default case involving over Rs 9,000 crore linked to the Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya fled from India in 2016. He faces serious allegations of cheating, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and the misuse of loan funds provided by a union of Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India (SBI).
His companies are under probe by multiple agencies in India, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
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