In an extensive and revealing four-hour conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, businessman Vijay Mallya opened up about the media-crafted narrative surrounding his life, his signature flamboyant image, and the deeply personal journey that shaped his bold public persona.
“I don’t look for headlines. I never ever look for headlines. The headlines were created around me by the media,” said Mallya, addressing how his larger-than-life image came to define public perception. “Take the case of flamboyance. To me, flamboyance means loving life and appreciating the good things in life in a public way.”
Mallya reflected on how his early ascent to the top of a business empire contributed to his image. “I was 28 when my father passed away, and I became the chairman of the UB Group. I was a contemporary of all the big chairmen’s kids, but I was being compared to people my father’s age. I was thrown into the deep end.”
With honesty and self-awareness, Mallya described the contrast between him and the traditional business leaders of his time. “As a youngster, I had the passions of young people. I enjoyed gutkha, I enjoyed my drinks, I enjoyed parties, I enjoyed sports. That’s certainly not how other chairmen lived — they were more conservative, more at home.”
He acknowledged that his lifestyle attracted attention, but he remained unapologetic. “I was called a ‘flamboyant’ because I did what every other youngster of my age aspired to do. I have no regrets. I didn’t spend anybody else’s money. I spent my money. I lived my life.”
Mallya emphasized that beyond the glitz, he had a long corporate career built on experience and impact. “If I look back, I have millions of miles of corporate experience under my belt. I hope people find the positive change I have brought.”
In the podcast, Mallya’s words highlighted a man who embraced life on his own terms — with style, success, and no apologies. His flamboyance, as he tells it, wasn’t an act — it was authenticity wrapped in confidence.
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