In a display of enduring friendship far from Indian shores, former IPL chairman Lalit Modi hosted a grand celebration for business tycoon Vijay Mallya's 70th birthday. The lavish event took place at Modi's upscale Belgrave Square residence in London on December 16, 2025.
A High-Profile Gathering in the Heart of London
Organised by Lalit Modi and his partner, Rima Bouri, the party was a private affair meant for a close circle of friends. The celebration brought together associates of the controversial yet flamboyant figure famously known as the 'King of Good Times'. Photographs from the evening, shared by Modi himself on social media platform X, showcased a sophisticated setting befitting the milestone birthday.
The choice of venue, Modi's home in the prestigious Belgrave Square area of London, underlined the exclusive nature of the gathering. This event marks a notable moment where two of India's most talked-about expatriates came together for a personal milestone, away from the intense media scrutiny and legal battles they face back home.
Celebrating the 'King of Good Times'
Vijay Mallya, who turned 70, is the former chairman of the United Spirits group and the founder of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. His moniker, 'King of Good Times', became synonymous with a lavish lifestyle and high-profile parties during his heyday in India. This birthday celebration, though more private, echoed that legacy.
Lalit Modi, the architect of the Indian Premier League (IPL), now lives in London. His association with Mallya goes back years, rooted in the worlds of business, cricket, and glamour. The party reinforces their continued bond despite their individual legal and financial challenges. The images from the night suggest an evening of fine dining, conversation, and celebration among confidants.
A Party Away from the Headlines
While both Vijay Mallya and Lalit Modi remain central figures in major financial and legal cases in India, their personal lives continue in London. This birthday event highlights the social circle they maintain abroad. It serves as a reminder of their status within a certain echelon, even as they remain subjects of extradition requests and investigations by Indian authorities.
The celebration, while a personal milestone, inevitably draws public interest due to the storied and controversial pasts of both host and guest. It underscores how life has evolved for these businessmen after their departure from India, marked by both notoriety and attempts at normalcy within their new context.
