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Kingfizzer: The Rise and Fall of Vijay Mallya
He was once the King of Good Times - known for his opulent lifestyle, calendar shoots with bikini-clad models, high stakes in an IPL team, and an airline that was the last word in luxury. But the global downturn in aviation and the rising fuel prices worsened Kingfisher's financial ill health. The several thousands of crores loaned to it by a consortium of banks proved insufficient to arrest the slide in its fortunes.
By early 2013, the high-flying airline shut shop and closed the doors on disgruntled employees and investors - none of which, though, made any dent in Mallya's own lifestyle as he had pilfered cash from the company and stashed it abroad. Facing charges of money laundering, misappropriation and being a wilful defaulter, Mallya left the country in 2016 for his country estate near London.
Kingfizzer: The Mallya Story is the story of how the king lost his cheer and high spirits, to be remembered for one of the biggest corporate collapses of our time.
By early 2013, the high-flying airline shut shop and closed the doors on disgruntled employees and investors - none of which, though, made any dent in Mallya's own lifestyle as he had pilfered cash from the company and stashed it abroad. Facing charges of money laundering, misappropriation and being a wilful defaulter, Mallya left the country in 2016 for his country estate near London.
Kingfizzer: The Mallya Story is the story of how the king lost his cheer and high spirits, to be remembered for one of the biggest corporate collapses of our time.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 2, 2018
A true pager turner, thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on Vittal Mallya, insights about acquisitions and liquor business in India. I got high on kingfizzer and reading about the adventures of king of good times. Hope `good times` will be back for the king :)
June 22, 2021
Stark difference between Vijay Mallya and his father.
While Vittal Mallya was an astute businessperson with an eye to detail and extremely cost conscious his son turns out to be flamboyant and arrogant. Mr Vittal Mallya was considered a man with Midas touch who would buy distressed company and turn them around. Vijay Mallya on the other hand, would pay exorbitant price (Air Deccan) and kill the business after acquisition without understanding the need of the market. VJM gave the market share on platter to Indigo and Spice Jet just because of his dream to have a high-class airline while the market desperately needed a low cost airline. He did acquire Deccan, which was a low cost airline but killed the airline in his obsession for Kingfisher.
Unique example of business being built in one generation and then being destroyed by very next generation !!
While Vittal Mallya was an astute businessperson with an eye to detail and extremely cost conscious his son turns out to be flamboyant and arrogant. Mr Vittal Mallya was considered a man with Midas touch who would buy distressed company and turn them around. Vijay Mallya on the other hand, would pay exorbitant price (Air Deccan) and kill the business after acquisition without understanding the need of the market. VJM gave the market share on platter to Indigo and Spice Jet just because of his dream to have a high-class airline while the market desperately needed a low cost airline. He did acquire Deccan, which was a low cost airline but killed the airline in his obsession for Kingfisher.
Unique example of business being built in one generation and then being destroyed by very next generation !!
March 12, 2024
Kingfizzer: The Mallya Story" by Kingshuk Nag is a riveting exploration into the life and legacy of Vijay Mallya, the charismatic tycoon whose rise and fall have captivated the nation. Nag's meticulous research and engaging prose make this biography a must-read for anyone intrigued by the enigmatic persona of Mallya.
Nag takes readers on a compelling journey through Mallya's early years, tracing his evolution from a scion of the prestigious Mallya family to the flamboyant entrepreneur known as the "King of Good Times." Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Nag unravels the intricate web of ambition, success, and controversy that defined Mallya's career.
One of the book's strengths is Nag's ability to provide a balanced portrayal of his subject. While acknowledging Mallya's entrepreneurial acumen and larger-than-life persona, Nag doesn't shy away from addressing the controversies and legal troubles that have shadowed Mallya's later years. This nuanced approach adds depth and credibility to the narrative, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions about Mallya's complex character.
Moreover, Nag's prose is both accessible and engaging, making "Kingfizzer" a page-turner from start to finish. Whether delving into Mallya's high-flying business ventures or exploring the intricacies of his personal life, Nag keeps readers hooked with his compelling storytelling and keen insights.
In addition to offering a fascinating glimpse into Mallya's world, "Kingfizzer" also serves as a broader commentary on the intersection of wealth, power, and accountability in contemporary India. Through Mallya's story, Nag prompts readers to reflect on larger questions about corporate governance, financial ethics, and the culture of impunity that permeates certain sectors of society.
Overall, "Kingfizzer: The Mallya Story" is a masterfully crafted biography that sheds light on one of India's most captivating figures. With its richly detailed narrative, balanced perspective, and thought-provoking analysis, it stands as an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in business, politics, or the human drama behind the headlines.
Nag takes readers on a compelling journey through Mallya's early years, tracing his evolution from a scion of the prestigious Mallya family to the flamboyant entrepreneur known as the "King of Good Times." Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Nag unravels the intricate web of ambition, success, and controversy that defined Mallya's career.
One of the book's strengths is Nag's ability to provide a balanced portrayal of his subject. While acknowledging Mallya's entrepreneurial acumen and larger-than-life persona, Nag doesn't shy away from addressing the controversies and legal troubles that have shadowed Mallya's later years. This nuanced approach adds depth and credibility to the narrative, allowing readers to form their own informed opinions about Mallya's complex character.
Moreover, Nag's prose is both accessible and engaging, making "Kingfizzer" a page-turner from start to finish. Whether delving into Mallya's high-flying business ventures or exploring the intricacies of his personal life, Nag keeps readers hooked with his compelling storytelling and keen insights.
In addition to offering a fascinating glimpse into Mallya's world, "Kingfizzer" also serves as a broader commentary on the intersection of wealth, power, and accountability in contemporary India. Through Mallya's story, Nag prompts readers to reflect on larger questions about corporate governance, financial ethics, and the culture of impunity that permeates certain sectors of society.
Overall, "Kingfizzer: The Mallya Story" is a masterfully crafted biography that sheds light on one of India's most captivating figures. With its richly detailed narrative, balanced perspective, and thought-provoking analysis, it stands as an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in business, politics, or the human drama behind the headlines.
August 16, 2019
Born to an affluent family to running one of the most successful Indian enterprise, Vijay Mallya's career graph is every bit exciting and edgy.
Unlike his father in Vittal Mallya, who was a frugal, Vijay Mallya truly lives his life, King Size! However the Sr. Mallya will forever be remembered for his astute business acumen, the latter for his, opulence.
Mallya Jr. is everything that is extravagant. The arrogant 'zamindar', has never shied away from the cocktail of money, power and women, despite the eventual debacle of his Kingfisher Airlines and the subsequent dying fate of his other ventures.
He is a declared fugitive, failing to repay, loans amounting to several thousand crores of rupees. His 'escape', stamped the failure of Indian Govt and Judiciary, who are now trying their 'best' efforts to get him back from the UK to India.
Vijay Mallya's case-study is an excellent example of having bitten more than one can chew. I'd highly recommend you all to give this book, a read and more specifically to all the MBA aspirants. Consider this as an elaborate case-study on the man who owns penthouses, vintage cars, sports teams, but an endured goodwill. 📚
Unlike his father in Vittal Mallya, who was a frugal, Vijay Mallya truly lives his life, King Size! However the Sr. Mallya will forever be remembered for his astute business acumen, the latter for his, opulence.
Mallya Jr. is everything that is extravagant. The arrogant 'zamindar', has never shied away from the cocktail of money, power and women, despite the eventual debacle of his Kingfisher Airlines and the subsequent dying fate of his other ventures.
He is a declared fugitive, failing to repay, loans amounting to several thousand crores of rupees. His 'escape', stamped the failure of Indian Govt and Judiciary, who are now trying their 'best' efforts to get him back from the UK to India.
Vijay Mallya's case-study is an excellent example of having bitten more than one can chew. I'd highly recommend you all to give this book, a read and more specifically to all the MBA aspirants. Consider this as an elaborate case-study on the man who owns penthouses, vintage cars, sports teams, but an endured goodwill. 📚
January 21, 2018
If you ever wanted to know the whole story of the 'King of Good Times' this is it. It covers everything, from Kingfisher Airlines, his liquor business, his journey into politics, his personality, and a lot more. My favorite part has to be the liquor business story, because it provides a really good insight into an industry that nobody seems to talk about when it comes to business.
August 18, 2017
An amazing read about the rise and fall of Mallya empire. This book is a real page turner and provides a lot of detailed info into the crisis (read Kingfisher Airlines) that led to the downfall of Vijay Mallya. We have to wait and see how the "King of good times" fares in his bad times.
April 2, 2020
The book is really good. It showcases the ups and downs of Vijay Mallya. It gives us the insight of kingfisher and its humble origin in general. As a business point, some can learn from it, some can make a case study out of it.
May 3, 2018
The history of Mallya's takeover of different liquor brands is done in detail. But the book unfortunately adds nothing new that is not already known about Vijay Mallya's flight from the country and the crumbling of his empire.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews