'I didn’t run away’: Vijay Mallya reveals on Raj Shamani's podcast, fans ask him to have ‘faith in God'

The podcast sparked a multitude of reactions online.

In a rare and candid four-hour conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani, fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya addressed the allegations against him, the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines, and his potential return to India. The podcast, titled "Vijay Mallya Podcast: Rise & Downfall Of Kingfisher Airlines, Loans & RCB," quickly went viral, amassing close to 3 million views and sparking widespread online reactions.

Mallya firmly denied all allegations of fraud and money laundering amounting to Rs 9,000 crore, stating, "You may call me a fugitive, 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’ coming from? Where is the ‘chori’?"

He issued a rare apology to his former employees, expressing regret over the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines.

When questioned about returning to India, Mallya expressed willingness under certain conditions: "If I have assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously."

He cited concerns over India's detention conditions, referencing judgments from the UK High Court of Appeal that deemed Indian detention conditions violative of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, thereby preventing extradition in some cases.

Mallya criticised India's business environment, calling the 'ease of doing business' a myth. He stated that bureaucratic and political barriers are deeply rooted in the Indian system, regardless of the ruling party. He claimed that during his tenure, he had to maintain favorable relations with 29 Chief Ministers to keep his business operations running.

In February 2025, Mallya approached the Karnataka High Court, asserting that banks had recovered more than double the amount owed by Kingfisher Airlines. His counsel argued that while the airline owed around Rs 6,200 crore, banks had already recovered Rs 14,000 crore. Mallya sought a detailed account statement from the banks and an interim stay on further recovery actions.

In December 2024, Mallya claimed on social media that banks had recovered Rs 14,131.60 crore from him, against a judgment debt of Rs 6,203 crore, including interest. He argued that unless the Enforcement Directorate and banks could legally justify the excess recovery, he was entitled to relief.

Meanwhile, the podcast sparked a multitude of reactions online. One user commented, "India’s biggest podcaster for a reason. The voice, the vision." Another wrote, "2.7 million views in 10 hours for a 4-hour podcast. Man, he is the best guest on the podcast so far. Happy to listen and learn."

A listener praised Shamani’s preparation: "This will be Raj Shamani’s biggest podcast. Already halfway through and realised how much groundwork has been done by Raj before the interview. Kudos, brother!"

Another user expressed admiration for Mallya, saying, "Mr Mallya, you will be back in India someday. God is watching you. People will love you again. Faith in God! Still, a lot of your fans are waiting for the Kingfisher calendar launch."

One viewer added, "Can we declare him the best podcaster in the country?! Hats off to you, Raj Shamani Sir."

A former employee of Kingfisher Airlines wrote, "As an ex employee of KFA, I only have mad respect for Mr. Mallya. Thank you for doing this interview sir. Lots of love from NAGALAND."