WATCH | Viral video sees Vijay Mallya, Lalit Modi living it up at swanky London bash, former cricketer Chris Gayle in attendance
Former Indian Premier League (IPL) commissioner Lalit Modi and controversial businessman Vijay Mallya were spotted singing Frank Sinatra's famous anthem, ‘My Way’, at a lavish party in London: an unexpected and contentious moment that swiftly went viral on social media.
The two men can be seen grinning and grooving in what looks like a karaoke session during an extravagant summer party at Modi's residence in the video (which he uploaded himself).
The evening was anything but subtle. Modi disclosed that his guest list comprised over 310 people—friends and family who had flown in from various countries to attend what he described as his “annual summer party”.
He posted glimpses of the festivities on Instagram. “I did it #myway—a few memories from my annual summer party past Sunday at my house in London”.
The party took a particularly sensational turn when Modi and Mallya took the stage together.
Many people felt that the song selection, ‘My Way’, was ironic, given that both men are wanted by Indian authorities.
Modi, who has been living in self-imposed exile in the UK since 2010, is accused of a number of offences, such as money laundering, bid-rigging, and Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed several cases against him over the years, but Modi insists that these accusations are politically driven.
In contrast, Mallya fled India in 2016 as a result of growing claims of financial fraud connected to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Due to his failure to repay loans totalling more than ₹9,000 crores, he has been classified as a ‘fugitive economic offender’. According to The Indian Express, his appeal against a 2021 bankruptcy order was denied by the UK's High Court just last week.
One of the most well-known faces in the IPL, former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle, was also present at the celebration. After being spotted signing a bat for Lalit Modi, he posted a picture of himself and Mallya on Instagram with the caption, “We living it up. Thanks for a lovely evening”. Gayle used to play for the IPL team previously owned by Mallya: Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Reactions to the video were mixed as it circulated online. The pair was jokingly referred to as "Desi Boys. English Style", while others denounced the event as a tone-deaf celebration by people who are alleged to have engaged in serious financial misconduct.
"Sad reality that all fugitives are enjoying lavish lives after looting money from the Indian public," one user wrote in a comment.
"Hope this video does not break the internet," Modi added in his post, apparently aware of the controversy the video would cause. “Controversial for sure. But that [is] what I do best.”
Glamour, defiance, and a touch of dramatic flair characterised the occasion, which served as a stark reminder of the complex stories surrounding India's most infamous economic fugitives.
Both Modi and Mallya seemed relaxed despite their legal troubles, enjoying an evening that seemed to be about celebration and nostalgia—their way (at least for them).
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