Fugitive Indian tycoons Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya have again triggered a controversy after a video of them singing Frank Sinatra’s classic song “My Way” at a private bash in London went viral over the weekend. The video clip posted on social media by Modi himself captures the former IPL chairman and erstwhile liquor baron letting their hair down at a grand summer bash hosted at Modi’s home.
“And now, the end is near, and so I face the final curtain,” crooned Frank Sinatra — words that now echo ironically since both men are facing legal action back home in India. Although they have had their fair share of legal woes, the two are seen laughing and singing together in what Modi has described as his “annual summer party.”
More than 300 Guests Party at the London Bash
Lalit Modi, 60, confirmed that the party attracted more than 310 international guests, including friends, family members, and celebrities. Guests included a former Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer, Chris Gayle, who posted a picture of himself with Modi and Mallya on Instagram, with the caption: “We’re living it up. Thanks for a lovely evening,” tagging both men.
Modi thanked on Instagram, stating, “Had an incredible evening with 310 friends and family. A number of them who came specially for the event. Gratitude to one and all who made this night possible and made it one of the most special ones for me. Hope this video doesn’t break the internet. Controversial for sure.” But that’s what I excel at.” He also acknowledged musician Aht-Shams Carlton Braganza for the karaoke equipment and hailed Gayle as the “Universe Boss.”
Charges and Cases Against Modi and Mallya
Lalit Modi left India in 2010 and has since been residing in the UK. Authorities have accused him of money laundering, bid rigging, and violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) asked for his extradition from the UK, but he is still a British resident. Modi claims political motives drive the allegations made against him.
Vijay Mallya, 68, fled India in 2016 amid spiraling debt and fraud charges against him in connection with his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. The Indian government had declared him a “fugitive economic offender” under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. Last week, the UK High Court dismissed Mallya’s appeal against a 2021 bankruptcy order.
In an earlier social media message, Mallya asserted that Indian authorities had returned and recovered assets valued at ₹14,131 crore — over twice Kingfisher’s outstanding debt. “I am still an economic offender. Unless the ED and banks can legally explain how they have seized over two times the debt, I am entitled to relief, which I will seek,” he stated. He also criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) ongoing case against a ₹900 crore IDBI Bank loan.
As a reaction to Mallya’s statement, Lalit Modi had said, “This too shall pass.”