Lalit Modi Hosts Vijay Mallya’s Pre-70th Birthday in London, Idris Elba and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Spotted in Viral Photos
Former IPL chief Lalit Modi recently hosted a pre-70th birthday celebration for embattled liquor baron Vijay Mallya at his London residence, an event that has drawn renewed attention given both men's fugitive status from Indian law. The private gathering was attended by several notable figures including Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.
Mumbai, December 18: In the heart of London’s elite Belgrave Square, a gathering on December 16 has reignited a fierce debate thousands of miles away in India. Former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi opened his doors to host a lavish pre-70th birthday celebration for his longtime friend, liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya, bringing together a surprisingly eclectic mix of global elites. The party, co-hosted by Lalit Modi’s partner Rima Bouri, was framed as a tribute to the Vijay Malla aka "King of Good Times".
While the event was private, glimpses of the evening surfaced through viral photos shared by international photographer Jim Rydell. The images captured a rare intersection of business and Hollywood, showing Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw in deep conversation with actor Idris Elba, while fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla also joined the festivities. ‘Sorry Kingfisher Airlines Employees’: Vijay Mallya Breaks Silence After ‘9 Years’ on Raj Shamani’s Podcast, Says ‘Dont Call Me a Thief’ (Watch Video).
Lalit Modi Hosts Vijay Mallya’s Pre-70th Birthday in London
Who Attended Vijay Mallya’s Pre-70th Birthday Party Hosted by Lalit Modi
Jim Rydell shared pictures from the high-profile gathering on Instagram. The pictures show people from diverse backgrounds, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, renowned actor Idris Elba and famous fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla in attendance.
Vijay Mallya: The Extradition Saga
Vijay Mallya, once a flamboyant figure in Indian business and sports, fled India in March 2016. He is accused of defaulting on loans worth over INR 9,000 crore (approximately USD 1.1 billion) taken by his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines from various Indian banks. Mallya has been the subject of an intense extradition battle, with Indian agencies pursuing his return to face trial.
The UK Supreme Court denied Mallya permission to appeal his extradition order in May 2020, exhausting all legal avenues available to him in the United Kingdom. Despite this, his actual extradition has been delayed due to a "confidential legal matter," reportedly related to asylum claims, which the UK government has cited. Indian authorities continue to press for his immediate deportation. Lalit Modi Suffers Big Setback After Renouncing Indian Citizenship, Reports Say Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat Orders Cancellation of His Passport Over Money Laundering Probe.
Lalit Modi: A Decade in Exile
Lalit Modi, the architect of the IPL, left India in 2010 amid allegations of financial irregularities, money laundering, and impropriety related to the league's operations. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) of India has been investigating him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Modi has consistently maintained his innocence, claiming he is a victim of political vendetta.
He has since resided primarily in London, avoiding return to India where he faces arrest warrants. His public appearances, particularly those involving other individuals wanted by Indian law, frequently draw attention and criticism from India.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2025 04:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).