'How it started 20 years ago': Lalit Modi hosts Vijay Mallya's lavish birthday bash in London - pics and clips

Lalit Modi, former IPL chairman, hosted a lavish private bash to celebrate 70th birthday of his close friend Vijay Mallya in London on Thursday. The celebration was held at Modi’s residence in Belgrave Square, one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

The event took place at Modi’s six-bedroom home, with several guests flying in from India for the occasion.

An amazing celebration for my dear friend @TheVijayMallya at my house last night for all his friends and family who flew in from all corners of the world. Another cornerstone Achieved by the King of Goodtimes - his 70th birthday. Wish him all the happiness and success 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/x7FF2B70OB

— Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) December 18, 2025

Attendees included fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla, actor Idris Elba and entrepreneur Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, among others. Photographs from the evening later circulated on social media, including an image shared by Florida-based photographer Jim Rydell showing Mallya and Modi together at the gathering.

The evening featured a mix of Indian and Lebanese cuisine, reflecting the background of Modi’s partner, Rima Bouri, who hosted the dinner alongside him. Music from the 1970s and 1980s was played by a DJ during the party.

Desserts included themed cupcakes arranged around gold lettering spelling the word “King”.

Speaking to The Times of India, Mallya confirmed that Modi had organised the event and praised the hospitality extended by Modi and Bouri.

Both Modi and Mallya currently reside in the UK and have been living outside India for several years following separate legal disputes. Modi moved abroad after being suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2010, while Mallya has been contesting extradition proceedings related to financial cases in India. Despite their ongoing legal matters, the gathering highlighted Modi’s role as host of the celebration.