Vijay Mallya Net Worth : Vijay Mallya, the erstwhile flamboyant owner of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and kingpin of Kingfisher Airlines, has experienced a rollercoaster rise and fall in his fortunes. Branded a fugitive in India, the 69-year-old liquor tycoon maintains that he’s an innocent man and has indicated his readiness to return to India if provided with a level-playing field trial.
Early Success and the RCB Acquisition
In 2013, when he was at the peak of his glory, Vijay Mallya’s net worth was calculated at $750 million by Forbes. Forward to July 2022, and the Independent UK reports that Mallya’s net worth had risen to about $1.2 billion.
But this prosperity has been marred by legal troubles and the downfall of Kingfisher Airlines. Once called the “King of Good Times,” Mallya’s expensive ways and business conglomerate have been the center of much criticism.
Expensive Properties and Luxury Assets
In spite of controversies, Mallya still owns a impressive portfolio of luxury assets:
1. A penthouse in Trump Plaza, New York, which he bought for $2.4 million in 2010.
2. Three luxury condos in the same Trump Plaza building, two of which are jointly owned with his daughter.
3. Le Grande Jardin estate in France, located on the beautiful Island of Sainte-Marguerite near Cannes.
These properties highlight his penchant for luxury, even as legal battles rage on.
The Kingfisher Collapse and Legal Troubles
The demise of Mallya’s empire started in 2012 when Kingfisher Airlines was hit by serious financial crisis because of huge debts. Mallya attributed the airline collapse to the 2008 global financial crisis.
In 2016, Mallya left for the UK amid allegations of defaulting on bank loans totaling over ₹9,000 crore. The Supreme Court of India found him guilty in 2017 for contempt of court after he was accused of transferring $40 million to his children. The court sentenced him to a four-month jail term and a fine of ₹2,000 (£21).
Mallya’s Stand: “I’m Not a Thief”
In spite of these legal setbacks, Mallya has refused to admit any wrongdoing. He maintained in the podcast with Raj Shamani,
“You can call me a fugitive, but I did not flee. I traveled by a pre-scheduled visit. Fair enough, I did not come back for reasons I believe are valid… So you can call me a fugitive, if you want to. But where is the ‘chor’ (thief)?
He asserts that his presence in the UK is “wholly legitimate,” and that a “failure in business is likened or is equal to a fraud.”
What's Next for Vijay Mallya?
The Indian government submitted the application for extradition in 2017, but Mallya has persistently challenged the action in British courts. He demands to return to India only if assured of a fair trial—a demand whose resolution is pending.
Vijay Mallya’s net worth in 2025 is a mystery as of now, with the estimates ranging around $1.2 billion. But more than the figures, his tale is an example of how fortunes can reverse in the twinkling of an eye—turning the “King of Good Times” into India’s most controversy-ridden businessman.
Key Takeaways of Vijay Mallya Net Worth
Vijay Mallya’s net worth: Estimated to be $1.2 billion as of 2022.
RCB buy: Bought for $112 million (₹600-700 crore) in 2008.
High-end assets: New York and French properties.
Legal problems: Battling extradition to India on charges of defaulting loans.
