A Bengaluru-based startup founder has sparked a lively discussion on social media after publicly asking fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya if he could rent the iconic penthouse at Kingfisher Towers for a birthday celebration.
Priyam Raj, founder of the startup VidAI, posted the unusual request on X (formerly Twitter), saying he wanted to host a memorable birthday party in the city.
A bold social media request
In his post, Raj wrote that his birthday falls on March 23 and that he wanted to organise a celebration that would “bring back the good times” to Bengaluru.
“Dear @TheVijayMallya I’m a founder from Bangalore having my birthday on March 23rd. I want to throw a birthday party the city hasn’t seen in a while,” he wrote.
Raj added that he was serious about the proposal and willing to pay for the venue if the opportunity arose.
“Can I rent Kingfisher Villa for one night? Dead serious. Will pay. Name your price. Or point me to whoever owns it now,” he said in the post.
Viral reactions on social media
The post quickly gained traction online, with many users reacting humorously to the unusual request.
Some users pointed out that Mallya may no longer have control over the luxury property due to the legal and financial proceedings linked to the collapse of Kingfisher Airlines.
Several properties connected to Mallya’s business empire were seized and auctioned by banks in an effort to recover thousands of crores in unpaid dues.
Others praised the founder’s bold approach, describing it as a reflection of the confidence and ambition often associated with Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem.
Iconic luxury tower in Bengaluru
Kingfisher Towers is one of Bengaluru’s most well-known luxury residential buildings, located near Cubbon Park and close to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the city’s central business district.
The building is known for its exclusive residences and has been associated with several prominent residents over the years, including Narayana Murthy and entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath.
More about the tower can be found here:
Startup culture meets social media
The incident also highlights how social media platforms are increasingly being used by entrepreneurs to spark conversations and gain visibility.
While it remains unclear whether the request will receive a response, the post has already generated significant attention online, reflecting Bengaluru’s vibrant mix of startup ambition, humour and digital culture
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