Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi recently hosted a high-profile pre-birthday celebration in London for Vijay Mallya, the former airline tycoon who has been living in the United Kingdom while facing multiple legal cases in India. The gathering, held at Modi’s upscale residence at Belgrave Square, drew attention for both its guest list and the public visibility it received through social media posts.
The event came into the spotlight after photographer Jim Rydell shared a photograph of Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya together on X. In his post, Rydell thanked Modi for hosting what he described as a “fabulous pre-70th Birthday party” in honour of Mallya at his London home. Lalit Modi responded publicly, expressing gratitude to attendees and referring to Mallya as his friend, whose pre-birthday bash was being celebrated at his residence.
Rydell also offered a glimpse into the evening on Instagram by posting the invitation card sent out for the event. The invite, issued by Rima Bouri and Lalit Modi, described the celebration as “a glamorous evening in honour of their dear friend Vijay Mallya,” and referred to him as the “king of good times”—a phrase long associated with Mallya’s public persona during his business heyday. The card featured a cartoon-style illustration of the former liquor baron and airline promoter.
Photographs circulating from the party showed a mix of prominent personalities from diverse fields. Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was among the notable guests and appeared in multiple images shared online—one alongside fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla and another in conversation with actor Idris Elba. Elba and Khosla were also seen mingling with other guests, adding to the event’s celebrity quotient.
The pre-birthday celebration is not the first time Modi and Mallya have been seen together at lavish social gatherings in London. Earlier this year, Modi marked his own 63rd birthday with an extravagant party at the exclusive Maddox Club in Mayfair. That event, too, was attended by close friends, including Mallya, and featured dancing, cake-cutting, and high-energy celebrations. The duo was also spotted together at a private karaoke evening hosted by Modi, which reportedly drew over 300 guests, including former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle.
Both Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya continue to reside in the United Kingdom and remain embroiled in legal proceedings in India related to financial and regulatory matters. Indian authorities have sought their return in connection with these cases, allegations that both men have consistently denied and contested. Despite the ongoing legal battles, their public appearances at high-profile social events abroad continue to attract attention and spark debate back home.
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