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Journalism of Courage
At a glittering London soirée hosted by Lalit Modi, a moment straight out of a movie unfolded: the former IPL commissioner and controversial tycoon Vijay Mallya belted out Frank Sinatra’s iconic I Did It My Way to a cheering crowd. The clip, posted by Modi on Instagram, quickly caught fire online – drawing both laughs and raised eyebrows, given the legal baggage both men carry.
The bash was anything but low-key. With over 310 guests flown in from across the globe, it was a full-blown spectacle of glitz and nostalgia. Among the familiar faces was former RCB star Chris Gayle, who posted a story with the duo, writing, “We living it up. Thanks for a lovely evening,” and tagging both hosts.
“Had an amazing night with 310 friends and family… Thank you to one and all who attended this evening and made it one of the most special nights for me,” Modi wrote in the caption, cheekily adding, “Hope this video doesn’t break the Internet. Controversial for sure. But that’s what I do best.”
The Internet certainly paid attention. While some viewers said, calling them “Desi Boys. English Style,” others went a step further with comments like “Thugs of Hindustan.” One person said, “Wow that seems like a whole lot of fun.”
Lalit Modi, once hailed as the mastermind behind the IPL’s global success, has remained in the UK since 2010 after facing suspension from the BCCI. The charges against him include alleged financial irregularities, bid manipulation, and money laundering, involving massive sums under scrutiny by Indian authorities.
Vijay Mallya, once dubbed the “King of Good Times,” left India in 2016 amidst mounting allegations of financial fraud tied to his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Declared a “fugitive economic offender” by Indian courts, Mallya’s legal troubles in the UK continue. Just last week, his appeal against a bankruptcy ruling was thrown out by the British High Court. He’s previously claimed that Indian authorities have already recovered assets worth over Rs 14,000 crore, more than what he allegedly owes.
