Lalit Modi and Vijay Mallya—both fugitives from Indian law—have stirred public outrage and intrigue after a video surfaced showing them singing Frank Sinatra’s iconic “I Did It My Way” at a lavish party in London. The video, shared by Modi on Instagram, quickly went viral, drawing attention not just for its celebrity elements but also for the brazen symbolism of defiance it projected.
Held in an opulent setting with over 310 guests, the party featured high-profile attendees from around the world, including former cricketer Chris Gayle, who posted a selfie with the duo, captioning it, “We living it up. Thanks for a lovely evening.” Lalit Modi’s own caption added to the provocative tone:
“Hope this video doesn’t break the internet. Controversial for sure. But that’s what I do best.”
Why This Is Controversial:
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Lalit Modi has been living in self-imposed exile in the UK since 2010. Once hailed as the architect of the Indian Premier League, he now faces serious charges back home including:
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Money laundering
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Kickbacks and bid rigging
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FEMA violations worth hundreds of crores
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Vijay Mallya, once the flamboyant owner of Kingfisher Airlines and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has been wanted in India since 2016 for:
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Loan defaults of over ₹9,000 crore
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Fraud and money laundering
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He was arrested in London in 2017 and is currently out on bail while India awaits a final decision on his extradition.
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Symbolism of “I Did It My Way”:
Their choice of song was seen by many as a deliberate message of arrogance and impunity—an anthem of self-assured independence from two men who have been accused of financial crimes and remain out of reach of the Indian justice system.
Public Reaction:
The video prompted sharp criticism across social media, with many users calling it a mockery of accountability, particularly when ordinary citizens face harsh consequences for minor offenses. Critics argue that the clip highlights the stark contrast between the Indian legal system’s treatment of the powerful versus the powerless.
Final Take:
While the video may have been intended as a moment of personal expression or celebration, it inadvertently served as a reminder of ongoing failures in enforcing high-level accountability. The spectacle of two fugitives publicly singing a song about doing things “their way” in front of hundreds of cheering guests was less about charm—and more about how far removed they remain from the consequences of their actions.
