Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Vijay Mallya

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 8, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Vijay Mallya made an impact.

Vijay Mallya is an Indian fugitive businessman and former politician wanted in India on charges of financial crimes. He faces extradition from the UK, where he has been residing. Despite legal setbacks, including the rejection of his appeals against extradition and bankruptcy, as of April 2024, Mallya continues to resist extradition through unresolved legal means.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1976: Graduation from St. Xavier's College

In 1976, Vijay Mallya graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (with honors) from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.

1983: Chairman of United Breweries Group

In 1983, at the age of 28, Vijay Mallya became the chairman of United Breweries Group following his father's death.

1988: Acquisition of Berger Paints and Best and Crompton

In 1988, Vijay Mallya diversified his business interests by acquiring Berger Paints, and Best and Crompton.

1990: Acquisition of Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers

In 1990, Vijay Mallya expanded his business portfolio by acquiring Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilisers.

1998: Significant increase in annual turnover

Between 1983 and 1998, the United Breweries Group annual turnover increased by 64%.

1999: Annual turnover of US$11 billion

By 1999, the annual turnover of the United Breweries Group reached US$11 billion.

2001: Acquisition of The Asian Age and Cine Blitz

In 2001, Vijay Mallya acquired The Asian Age newspaper and Cine Blitz Bollywood magazine.

2002: Elected to Rajya Sabha for the first time

In 2002, Vijay Mallya was elected to the Rajya Sabha as independent member from his home state of Karnataka, first in 2002 with the support of the Janata Dal (Secular) and Indian National Congress.

2003: Joined the Janata Party

In 2003, Vijay Mallya joined the Subramanian Swamy-led Janata Party and was its National Working President until 2010.

2005: Establishment of Kingfisher Airlines

In 2005, Vijay Mallya established Kingfisher Airlines as a major business venture.

2007: Co-owned the Formula One team Force India

From 2007, Vijay Mallya co-owned the Formula One team Force India.

2010: Elected to Rajya Sabha for the second time

In 2010, Vijay Mallya was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an independent member from Karnataka for the second time, with the support of the Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP.

2012: Ceded management control of United Spirits Limited

In 2012, Vijay Mallya ceded management control of United Spirits Limited to Diageo, retaining a minority stake.

February 2015: Forced to resign as chairman of United Spirits

In February 2015, Vijay Mallya was forced to resign as chairman of United Spirits, contracting to receive a $75 million severance payment which was later blocked by Indian courts.

May 2016: Resigned from the Rajya Sabha

In May 2016, Vijay Mallya resigned from the Rajya Sabha, the day before the Ethics Committee was prepared to recommend his expulsion.

August 2018: Force India assets purchased by Racing Point F1 Team

In August 2018, the assets of Sahara Force India were purchased by Racing Point F1 Team after Sahara Force India went into administration due to financial trouble.