'God is watching you, Vijay Mallya!': Netizens react as podcast with Raj Shamani hits 2.8 million views

Vijay Mallya, the chief of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines who is facing trial for alleged fraud and money laundering amounting to ₹9,000 crore, sat down for a four hour candid conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani  – a rare public appearance that has quickly gone viral, amassing over 2.8 million views and a plethora of online reactions.

In the podcast, Mallya denied all allegations against him and issued a rare apology to his former employees while reflecting on the fall of Kingfisher Airlines.

The liquor baron spoke at length about his first media appearance in nine years, the rise and collapse of Kingfisher, and how he went on to found the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

When asked if he would consider returning to India, Mallya said, “If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously.”

Addressing the “fugitive” tag attached to him, Mallya remarked, “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 ‘choir’?”

The podcast, titled "Vijay Mallya Podcast: Rise & Downfall Of Kingfisher Airlines, Loans & RCB," has 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.”

Vijay Mallya is accused of defrauding a consortium of Indian banks of over ₹9,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion), primarily through loans granted to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. In February this year, Mallya informed the Karnataka High Court that the ₹6,200 crore debt he owes to the banks has been recovered “multiple times over,” and requested a detailed statement of accounts showing the amounts recovered from him, United Breweries Holdings Limited (UBHL, now in liquidation), and other certificate debtors.