Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi marked his 63rd birthday with a high-profile and colourful celebration in London over the weekend. The extravagant party, held in the upscale Mayfair district, saw Modi surrounded by close friends, with fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya being one of the most notable attendees.
A Night of Glitz at Maddox Club
The festivities took place at the exclusive Maddox Club, a premier nightlife destination in Mayfair known for its luxurious setting. The venue mandates a minimum table spend starting from £1,000, which is roughly equivalent to ₹1.18 lakh. The evening was filled with music, dancing, and a personalised birthday track that repeatedly echoed, "Happy birthday, Lalit. King of smiles."
Modi took to Instagram to share several videos from the night, capturing moments from the dance floor to the cake-cutting ceremony. In his social media post, he expressed gratitude to his partner, Rima, for organising the event. He wrote a heartfelt caption praising her, calling her "the love of my life."
The Modi-Mallya Camaraderie on Display
The presence of Vijay Mallya, the former Kingfisher Airlines chief who like Modi resides in London, highlighted their enduring friendship. This is not the first time the duo has been seen socialising in the UK capital. Back in July, Modi posted a montage from another party featuring a karaoke session with Mallya, where former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle was also present.
Their bond extends beyond private parties into public platforms. Both individuals have appeared separately on entrepreneur Raj Shamani's podcast. Following Mallya's podcast episode, Modi shared a note on X (formerly Twitter) acknowledging Mallya's crucial early support for the IPL. Modi credited him as the first person to back the creation of the cricket league, which has since become a global sports phenomenon.
A Friendship Forged in IPL's Early Days
In his June post on X, Modi revealed the depth of their professional history. He stated that Mallya was the IPL's biggest sponsor in its initial years and has remained a loyal supporter. "He was the first person to support me in creating the IPL without hesitation," Modi wrote, adding that he would "always be grateful" for that faith.
From nostalgic reflections on their pioneering roles in Indian cricket's commercial landscape to vibrant London nightlife, the weekend birthday celebration served as another chapter in the long-standing relationship between Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya. The event underscored their continued social presence abroad, far from their Indian business origins.
