Vijay Mallya: A Business Magnate's Rise and Fall Vijay Mallya, born December 18, 1955, is a former Indian businessman and politician currently embroiled in legal battles. His career spanned several sectors, leaving a complex legacy. He inherited a family business in alcoholic beverages, eventually becoming chairman of United Spirits, India's largest spirits company. His leadership extended to United Breweries Group, a conglomerate encompassing diverse interests including aviation, real estate, and fertilizers. Mallya also held chairmanships at Sanofi India and Bayer CropScience for over two decades. Mallya's entrepreneurial ventures also include the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines and a former stake in the Force India Formula One team. He further owned the Royal Challengers Bangalore cricket team, showcasing his diverse business interests. However, Mallya's career is marred by significant financial controversies and legal challenges, leading to his status as a fugitive from Indian law. His leadership style, while initially characterized by aggressive expansion and brand building, ultimately came under scrutiny for its risk-taking and opaque financial practices. Currently, extradition proceedings are underway. His substantial business contributions in the beverage industry are overshadowed by the controversies surrounding his later ventures. The once celebrated businessman now serves as a cautionary tale in the Indian business landscape.