London Glitters as Lalit Modi Hosts Pre-70th Birthday Bash for Vijay Mallya

December 18, 2025 — The “King of Good Times” may be far from Indian shores, but his flair for high-profile celebrations remains intact. Former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi hosted a lavish pre-birthday party for businessman Vijay Mallya at his sprawling residence in London’s Belgrave Square this week.

Mallya, who officially turns 70 today, was the guest of honor at an evening defined by glamour, nostalgia, and a star-studded guest list that bridged the worlds of business, fashion, and Hollywood.

A Night of “Good Times”

The invitation, shared by international photographer Jim Rydell, set the tone for the evening: “Rima & Lalit invite you to a glamorous evening in honour of their dear friend Vijay Mallya celebrating the King of Good Times.” The event took place on the night of December 16, serving as a grand precursor to Mallya’s milestone 70th birthday on December 18. Lalit Modi, 63, expressed his gratitude to those who attended, posting on social media: “Thank you all for coming and celebrating my friend Vijay Mallya’s pre-birthday bash at my house.”

Star-Studded Guest List

The gathering saw a diverse mix of global elites. Notable attendees included:

• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: The Biocon founder and billionaire entrepreneur was spotted engaging in deep conversation with guests.
• Idris Elba: The renowned Hollywood actor was among the surprise A-listers at the Belgrave Square home.
• Manoviraj Khosla: The famous fashion designer was also pictured at the event.

Photographs from the night captured a relaxed and jovial atmosphere, with Mallya and Modi posing together—a testament to a friendship that has endured decades, from the inception of the IPL to their current lives in London.

A Month of Celebrations

This party is the latest in a series of extravagant social gatherings for the duo. Just weeks ago, Mallya was a prominent guest at Lalit Modi’s own 63rd birthday celebration, held at the exclusive Maddox Club in Mayfair. That event featured personalized tracks and high-energy dancing, with tables reportedly requiring a minimum spend of £1,000 (approx. ₹1.18 lakh).

Earlier this summer, the two were also seen in a viral video singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” during a karaoke session, a choice of song that many netizens interpreted as a defiant nod to their controversial departures from India.

The Elephant in the Room

While the social media clips showcase a life of luxury, the backdrop of these festivities remains the ongoing legal efforts by the Indian government. Both Modi and Mallya are classified as fugitive economic offenders in India, facing allegations related to financial irregularities and money laundering. Despite the legal clouds, their social calendar in London appears busier than ever.

As Mallya hits the 70-year milestone, the images of the Belgrave Square party serve as a vivid reminder of the “unfiltered” life the two former titans of Indian industry continue to lead abroad.