In a rare and candid public appearance, Vijay Mallya, the former liquor baron and chairman of the defunct Kingfisher Airlines, has offered an apology for the airline’s collapse while rejecting accusations of theft, asserting he is no “chor” (thief).

Speaking during a four-hour podcast interview with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, released on Thursday, Mallya addressed the controversy that has surrounded him for nearly a decade.

“I Apologise for Kingfisher’s Failure”

“I apologise to everyone for the failure of Kingfisher Airlines,” Mallya said, reflecting on what was once regarded as one of India’s most premium aviation brands.

While taking moral responsibility, Mallya emphasised that the reasons behind the airline’s collapse were complex, and not as simplistic as public narratives often suggest.

On the ‘Fugitive’ Label

Mallya has been living in the United Kingdom since 2016, facing extradition requests from India in connection with loan defaults exceeding ₹9,000 crore, involving a consortium of Indian banks. Though a UK court approved his extradition in 2018, he has continued to contest the decision, citing concerns over trial fairness and personal safety.

In the podcast, he directly addressed the labels associated with his name:

“You may call me a fugitive, but I didn’t run away. I left on a prescheduled visit. Fair enough, I didn’t return for reasons I consider valid. So if you want to call me a fugitive, go ahead. But where is the ‘chor’? Where is the ‘chori’?”

Hint at Return – Under Conditions

Mallya also signaled a conditional willingness to return to India, stating:

“If I have a fair assurance of a fair trial and a dignified existence in India, I will think about it seriously.”

His comments come at a time of renewed public attention, especially after his emotional response to RCB’s recent IPL victory-a team he previously owned-went viral on social media, triggering mixed reactions and a fresh wave of memes and scrutiny.