Bengaluru founder asks Vijay Mallya to rent Kingfisher Towers for a night

Bengaluru

A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has triggered widespread discussion on social media after publicly asking fugitive liquor baron Vijay Mallya if he could rent the iconic penthouse at Kingfisher Towers for a night to host a birthday party.

The unusual request was made by startup founder Priyam Raj through a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In his message addressed directly to Mallya, Raj said he wanted to host his birthday celebration at the luxurious “Kingfisher Villa” penthouse and was willing to pay whatever price the former liquor tycoon might demand.

“I’m dead serious. Will pay. Name your price,” Raj wrote in the post, which quickly went viral and drew thousands of reactions and comments online.

The post sparked curiosity among social media users and the wider business community in Bengaluru, with many reacting humorously while others wondered whether Mallya might actually respond to the request. As of now, there has been no public response from Mallya.

Located in the upscale UB City area in the heart of Bengaluru, Kingfisher Towers is one of the city’s most prominent luxury residential buildings. The skyscraper was developed during the peak of the business empire built by Vijay Mallya through the United Breweries Group. The penthouse atop the tower—often referred to as “Kingfisher Villa”—is among the most talked-about private residences in the city due to its size, exclusivity, and association with Mallya.

Mallya, once known as the “King of Good Times,” left India in 2016 after facing legal proceedings related to alleged financial irregularities linked to the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Since then, he has been living in the United Kingdom while contesting India’s efforts to extradite him.

Because of Mallya’s long absence from India and the legal battles surrounding his assets, the viral request from Raj has been viewed largely as a social-media moment rather than a realistic real-estate transaction.

Nevertheless, the episode has once again brought attention to Kingfisher Towers and its legendary penthouse, which has long symbolised the lavish lifestyle associated with Mallya during the peak years of his business career.

For many Bengaluru residents, the building remains a reminder of the dramatic rise and fall of one of India’s most flamboyant businessmen. The viral post has also highlighted how social media continues to blur the lines between celebrity culture, business personalities, and public spectacle.

Whether the birthday party at Kingfisher Towers ever becomes a reality remains uncertain. For now, Raj’s message to Mallya has simply added another intriguing chapter to the enduring fascination surrounding the tycoon and his iconic Bengaluru residence.