“There’s no ease of doing business in India. It’s in the DNA.”

 That one line from Vijay Mallya’s interview with Raj Shamani on the Figuring Out podcast is making headlines across the country.

But there’s more to this conversation than just that quote. After nearly a decade of silence and living in exile, the former business tycoon finally spoke out. And what he shared wasn’t just about business—it was about regret, relationships, reputation, and resilience.

Here’s a deep dive into what we learned from this powerful and trending conversation.

A Rare Public Appearance

Once a high-flying billionaire known for his lavish lifestyle and Kingfisher Airlines, Mallya has been living in the UK since 2016, facing extradition over financial fraud allegations in India. In this podcast, he didn’t just address the allegations—he opened up emotionally, giving a side of the story that’s rarely been heard.

1. "Doing Business in India is Extremely Difficult"

Mallya didn’t hold back when discussing the Indian business climate. He stated that no matter which government is in power, the bureaucratic and political hurdles remain the same.

“You need the goodwill of 29 chief ministers to run a business across India. It’s not just policy—it’s the mindset,” he said.

He questioned the country's "ease of doing business" rankings, calling them misleading and unrealistic for real entrepreneurs.

2. Apologising to Kingfisher Staff

Mallya publicly apologised to former Kingfisher Airlines employees, many of whom faced unpaid salaries and job loss. He explained that the 2008 global financial crisis and court-imposed restrictions on his assets left him unable to support the company or its staff.

“I never ran away. I’ve been legally stuck. But I feel deeply for my staff who suffered,” he said.

3. Willing to Return—But Wants a Fair Trial

A major revelation was Mallya’s willingness to return to India—on one condition: that he be guaranteed a fair and unbiased trial.

“The day they took my passport, my freedom ended,” he reflected. “But if I'm assured of a fair trial, I will seriously consider coming back.”

This statement has reignited debates about justice, legal process, and political influence.

4. Evades Bribe Question—But Leaves a Hint

When asked whether bribes were required to run businesses in India, Mallya smiled and said:

“I’m not going to confirm or deny that. I think you know India as well as I do.”

A diplomatic response—but one that echoes the silent struggles many businesspeople face.

5. Isolation and True Friendships

After he left India, most of his contacts—both political and corporate—cut ties. He shared that even those who once praised him disappeared overnight.

However, he made special mention of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon’s founder, as someone who stayed in touch and offered support.

“She’s like a sister to me. In tough times, you learn who your real friends are,” he said emotionally.

6. Claims of Over-Recovery by the Government

Mallya also challenged the accusations of bank fraud by claiming that the Indian government has already recovered more than double the amount he owed.

“If I defrauded the banks, how did the government recover so much?” he asked.

More Than Just a Scandal

Whether you see Vijay Mallya as guilty, misunderstood, or somewhere in between—this podcast gives us a rare chance to hear his side. It’s a conversation not just about one man’s fall from grace, but about the larger challenges in India’s business environment, the fragility of reputation, and the loneliness that can come with failure.

His words may not change the public opinion overnight, but they do invite deeper discussion about:

  • Business regulation in India
  • Media trials vs legal trials
  • The human cost of ambition

🔗 If you haven’t watched the episode yet, it’s worth checking out on YouTube: “Vijay Mallya on Figuring Out with Raj Shamani.”

What’s your take on Mallya’s claims? Does he deserve a second chance? Or is this too little, too late?

 Let us know in the comments.