Vijay Mallya: From India's 'king of good times' to a 'fugitive from justice'
byAkanbi Abolaji-
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Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, chairman of the United Breweries Group, examines whisky made by the Scottish company Whyte and Mackay in 2007. He acquired the Scottish whiskey maker in 2007, but sold it off in 2013.
The Indian government is seeking the deportation of flamboyant Indian liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, famously called the country's Richard Branson. The 60-year-old businessman, who owes about $1 billion to Indians banks, left the country for UK in March.
Mallya made his fortune from his family's company United Spirits, a beer and spirits conglomerate, which has more than half the share of India's organised alcohol market. Famously known as the "King of Good Times', Mallya started Kingfisher AIrlines, invested in a Formula One racing team, and several sport teams, such as the the Indian Premier League cricket team Royal Challengers Bangalore. He is even a member of the Indian Parliament.
Famous for his flashy parties, horse racing and swimsuit calendars, Mallya ran into trouble with the financial failure of his Kingfisher Airlines, which suspended operations in 2012. He is currently being pursued by a group of government-owned Indian banks who say he has $1 billion worth of unpaid debts. Mallya is also accused on money laundering and diverting funds from Kingfisher Airlines for buying property abroad.
The Indian government has already revoked his diplomatic passport, with the country's attorney-general even calling him a "fugitive from justice". In an interview with the Financial Times, Mallya denied the charges and said he was forced to live in exile, and had no plans to return to India.
Here's a glimpse of his life in pictures. Vijay Mallya, with his son Sidhartha Mallya at the launch of Kingfisher Airlines in Bombay, India, Saturday, on May 7, 2005. In 2012, the airlines suspended its operations after financial difficulties.
Image: AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude
Bollywood actor John Abraham with Industrialist Vijay Mallya,second from right, and photographer Atul Kasbekar,second from left, and models pose during the unveiling of Kingfisher Swimsuit special 2008 calendar, in Mumbai, in 2007.(
Image: AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude
Vijay Mallya (L) and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, attend the Quintessentially Foundation and Elephant Family's Royal Rickshaw Auction presented by Selfridges at Lancaster House on June 30, 2015 in London, England.
Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Vijay Mallaya, owner of Force India Formula One team poses for photographs at the launch of the Force India F1 car in Mumbai, India, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008. The team was renamed Force India after being bought by Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Dutch entrepreneur Michiel Mol.
Image: AP Photo/Rajesh Nirgude
Vijay Mallya during the Monaco Grand Prix 2008 in 2008 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Image: Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Vijay Mallya waves to the crowd during the opening match of the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Cape Cobra's at Chinnaswamy Stadium on October 8, 2009 in Bangalore, India.
