With an avid interest in car racing, horse racing and flying, Mallya lavishly indulged these passions.

He owned a car racing team (Force India) and at present he is a co-owner with Subrata Roy Sahara.

He became a member of parliament for the Rajya Sabha and developed excellent contacts with a range of politicians.

His worst decision was the purchase of the loss-making Air Deccan, with no brand image and few assets just when the market was about to dip.