London | Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi hosted a glamorous pre-birthday party in London for fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya, drawing attention and controversy online. The high-profile celebration took place at Modi’s opulent Belgravia residence, attended by notable personalities including Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, actor Idris Elba, and fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla.
Photographs from the event show Mazumdar-Shaw posing with Khosla and engaging with Elba, capturing the star-studded atmosphere. Renowned photographer Jim Riddell shared images of the party on social media platform X, thanking Modi for organizing “an amazing pre-70th birthday celebration” for Mallya. Modi himself posted messages of gratitude to the guests and lauded Mallya as a friend. The invitation card, which circulated widely online, referred to Mallya as the “King of Good Times” and featured a cartoon depiction of him.
However, the extravagant event quickly drew sharp criticism on social media. Users mocked Modi and Mallya for celebrating lavishly while allegedly evading Indian authorities for years. Some even used the occasion to sarcastically comment on the central government.
Vijay Mallya fled India for the UK in March 2016, facing charges of bank loan fraud and money laundering. Lalit Modi left India in 2010 following allegations of financial irregularities.
The party has reignited public debate over the two controversial figures, raising questions about how they can celebrate their freedom abroad while Indian legal proceedings remain unresolved. The event has put both Modi and Mallya back in the headlines, highlighting tensions between public perception and their extravagant lifestyles.
