Dear Sir,
You’ve been one of the most successful businessmen in India. Needless to say that you’ve led your life king size. You’ve spread your wings and conquered many frontiers. More importantly, you’ve earned your testimonial from your admirers. Bungalows, swanky cars, hot women and happening parties are some of the things that are associated with your name in the minds of people like me.
Until recently, your Kingfisher Airlines was one of the most preferred airlines, at least among the youth. Doing a rough calculation in my mind, at least 8 out of every 10 people I know who drink, prefer Kingfisher. I am aware that they don’t call it taste, may be the ‘feel’ is good for the cost at which it is provided compared to other drinks. That explains the 50% market share in the Indian Beer Market.
It is evident from your actions that you are a person who considers fame as important as money (if not more). You own one of the flamboyant teams in the IPL, your home venue is The Chinnaswamy Stadium, which guarantees a full house for almost all games even though the ticket rates are fairly higher compared to other venues. You were the first Indian to own a Formula 1 team and by naming it ‘Force India’ you’ve shown the respect and the gratitude you have for the country.
Be it getting Tippu Sultan’s sword back to where it belongs or buying Mahatma Gandhi’s belongings for $1.8 million in an auction held in New York and later returning it to the Government, you’ve showed how passionate you are and you’ve lived up to that title – The King of Good Times. And, last but not the least, you are a member of the parliament, something that not all of us are allowed to become.
A couple of years ago, if someone had told me that Vijay Mallya would lose his track and succumb to huge losses, I would have probably laughed at that person. You are definitely one of the best role models for a budding entrepreneur. You indeed have the best of minds in the present generation. But, despite the aforementioned achievements of yours, it has hard to believe that you are facing a tough time financially.
Despite the hottest of air hostesses, the best travel experience, the Kingfisher Airlines has apparently not attracted enough people to make ends meet. I am told that it has been suffering losses since its inception in 2005. Force India isn’t doing too well to be giving you returns. The IPL is such that you can’t expect it to give huge dividends right-away.
Pilots have grounded your flights for not receiving their salaries, cricketers have complained that they haven’t received money from the franchise, a part of UB city has reportedly been sold and there are rumors that you might even sell your treasured IPL franchise.
You might have tried hard to find out where it eventually went wrong. Your think tank might be working overtime to help you get out of this mayhem. For all we know, you might find a de-tour and reach the top before others do and salvage all the lost pride.
The one thing you have going with you is people’s faith. I’ve heard it does wonders to your self-confidence when you’ve such tremendous support. They also say, mind works miracles when you have that self-confidence on the higher side. Yes, it is true that you need to let go of something to catch hold of something that’s dearer. But as a humble sports fan, as one of your biggest admirers, I would like to plead on behalf of thousands of Vijay Mallya fans, to not let go of your passion. It is easier said than done but I believe you can find a number of ways to bounce back without having to sell your IPL Franchise or the Force India or even the UB city for that matter, which is one of the perfect hangouts in Bangalore for the ones who can afford.
Yuvraj Singh successfully fought cancer. Leander Paes battled a brain infection. Bill Gates was a Harward dropout. Steve Jobs was one too. People consider you to be in the same league or even better than some of these men. I hope, one fine day, when I advise someone about bouncing back, I would tell the person to do it like Dr Vijay Mallya.
Good luck, sir.
grttt