A new video has emerged showing former Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Lalit Modi partying with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya in London. In the clip, Modi can be heard sarcastically introducing himself and Mallya as the “biggest fugitives of India,” a remark widely interpreted as mocking the country.
Modi shared the video on his Instagram account with the caption: “Let’s break the internet down in India again. Happy birthday my friend #VijayMallya. Love u,” underscoring his unabashed camaraderie with the fugitive businessman. The post has drawn widespread criticism as a blatant taunt to the Indian government, which has been seeking the extradition of both Modi and Mallya for years. Modi left India in 2010, while Mallya fled in 2016. One Instagram comment summed up the public reaction: “What a mockery they have made of the Indian government.”
This is not the first time the two fugitives have been seen sharing videos from parties; such displays have become a recurring trend.
Earlier this month, Modi hosted a lavish birthday bash in London for Mallya, drawing attention after he shared details and photos of the event on social media. Describing the gathering at his residence as an “amazing celebration,” Modi called Mallya the “King of Goodtimes” and referred to the occasion as a “cornerstone achieved” as the former liquor baron turned 70. He wished Mallya happiness and success in his posts.
Photographer Jim Rydell also shared a picture on X, thanking Modi for hosting a “fabulous pre-70th birthday party” in Mallya’s honour. Modi later acknowledged the attendees, calling Mallya his friend and thanking everyone for joining the celebration.
The guest list reportedly included Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, actor Idris Elba, and fashion designer Manoviraj Khosla. Photos from the event showed Mazumdar-Shaw posing with Khosla and chatting with Elba.
The images and videos quickly went viral, sparking criticism of Modi and Mallya for enjoying extravagant parties while evading Indian authorities for years.
Lalit Modi, a key figure behind the creation of the IPL, left India in 2010 after being removed as IPL chairman amid allegations of financial irregularities, including bid rigging and money laundering. Vijay Mallya followed in March 2016, fleeing India as legal troubles mounted following the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines. He faces charges of fraud and money laundering over bank loans exceeding Rs 9,000 crore and has been living in the United Kingdom, where he continues to contest his extradition to India.