#Vijay Mallya

[newsarticle4u]

Vijay Mallya Houses: "King of Good Times" Million-Dollar Homes

Introduction

Vijay Mallya, the erstwhile king of Indian liquor and a prominent figure in the world of business and sports, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and substantial real estate holdings. Despite his current legal troubles, Mallya's real estate portfolio remains a topic of fascination. This article delves into the details of Vijay Mallya Houses, his properties, their costs, and the impact of his real estate investments.

Vijay Mallya Mansion: Kingfisher towers, Banglore

Vijay Mallya owns an exceptional 40,000 sq ft penthouse atop a skyscraper in Bangalore. Notably, this penthouse is unique as it is the only mansion situated on the top of a 34-story building.

Resembling the iconic White House, Mallya’s Bangalore residence epitomizes luxury, featuring an infinity pool and a helipad. The penthouse offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city. With an estimated investment exceeding Rs 66 crore, the Skyhouse stands as a symbol of opulence. However, despite its grandeur, the property remains incomplete, making it unlikely that Vijay Mallya resides there.

Sausalito Mansion, California:

Vijay Mallya’s home in Sausalito, California, is regarded as one of the town’s most notable residences, boasting views that extend from Belvedere to the Bay Bridge and San Francisco, according to a 2003 report by SFGate.

Mallya purchased this expansive Mediterranean-style mansion for $1.2 million (Approx 10 Cr). The luxurious home includes seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms and is the largest single-family home in Sausalito. After defaulting on the property, it is now listed for sale at $16.8 million (Approx 140 Cr). described in listings as an "elegant European palace," stands as the largest single-family home in Sausalito nearly 11,000-square-foot estate

Also read: Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

Vijay Mallya House: London house:

Built in 1823, this historic property is now the residence of Vijay Mallya and his family. Mallya acquired this magnificent estate for a significant amount. A comparable six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on Cornwall Terrace is currently listed for £25 million ($31 million), providing an insight into the luxurious interiors of Mallya's home.

Mabula Game Lodge

Mabula Game Lodge, celebrated as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves, encompasses 12,000 hectares of stunning wilderness. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in this expansive 25,000-acre estate, having acquired it for $6 million.

Le Grand Jaardin house in France

Vijay Mallya acquired a distinctive luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, the largest among the four Lérins islands, situated about half a mile from the French Riviera town of Cannes. This estate, famously known as Le Grand Jardin or The Grand Garden, stands out as the sole piece of private property in the center of the island. Mallya reportedly purchased this exclusive estate for an impressive $60 million.

Vijay Mallya's Giga - Yacht:

Vijay Mallya was well-known for his lavish gatherings aboard his grand yacht, the Indian Empress. At 95 meters in length, the Indian Empress is the 33rd largest private yacht in the world.

The yacht was first launched in 2000 by Dutch shipyard OCEANCO as Al Mirqab for its original owners, the Qatari Royal Family. Mallya later purchased this luxurious vessel for $93 million.

Also read: Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

Vijay Mallya Houses: Trump Plaza Apartment

In September 2010, Vijay Mallya acquired a penthouse in Trump Plaza for $2.4 million, making it one of the most costly penthouses in New York at the time.

Additionally, Mallya expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing three separate apartments in Trump Plaza, Manhattan, within a span of just seven months.

Vijay Mallya Houses: Ladywalk Mansion, London

Located in the village of Tewin, Hertfordshire, the Ladywalk mansion was acquired by Vijay Mallya from its previous owner, Anthony Hamilton. In 2015, while owning Formula 1’s Force India, Mallya purchased the property for €11.5 million. The estate is equipped with comprehensive security, including guards and CCTV cameras. It is widely believed that Vijay Mallya currently resides at Ladywalk mansion.

source: loveproperty

Vijay Mallya Houses list: Overview

Property Name

Location

Cost

Kingfisher Towers

Bangalore, India

₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

Sausalito Mansion

Sausalito, California

$1.2 Million (~₹10 Crore)

London House

Cornwall Terrace, London

260 crores (~$31 Million)

Mabula Game Lodge

South Africa

$6 Million

Le Grand Jardin

Sainte-Marguerite, France

$60 Million (Approx 500 Cr)

Indian Empress

Yacht (Details Not Location-Specific)

$100 Million(Apprx 800 cr)

Trump Plaza Apartment

New York, USA

$2.4 Million (20 Cr)

Ladywalk Mansion

Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK

100 Cr (~$12.5 Million)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1: What is the Kingfisher Towers?

A1: Kingfisher Towers is a 40,000 sq ft penthouse located in Bangalore, India. It is perched atop a 34-story building and features an infinity pool and helipad. The property is valued at approximately ₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

2. Where is Le Grand Jardin located and how much did it cost?

A2: Le Grand Jardin is a luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite in France, near Cannes. Mallya purchased this unique property for $60 Million.

3. What is the Indian Empress? .

A3: The Indian Empress is a 95-meter yacht, one of the largest private yachts globally. Vijay Mallya bought it for $93 Million

4. What is the Ladywalk Mansion?

A4: Ladywalk Mansion is a property in Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK. Mallya purchased it in 2015 for €11.5 Million (~$12.5 Million). The mansion is heavily secured and is believed to be Mallya’s current residence.

5. What can you tell me about Mabula Game Lodge?

A5: Mabula Game Lodge is a 25,000-acre game reserve in South Africa. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in the reserve, which he acquired for $6 Million

Suggested Articles:

Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

MS Dhoni Farm House: Address, Photos, Cost and Net Worth

Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

[daily-quiz-join]

Bollywood Wrap Up | भगोड़े Vijay Mallya के बेटे की लंदन में शादी, Sonakshi Sinha भी बनीं Mrs. Zaheer Iqbal

अंत भला तो सब भला! बॉलीवुड की खूबसूरत अदाकारा सोनाक्षी सिन्हा ने रविवार को अपने मंगेतर जहीर इकबाल के साथ शादी के बंधन में बंधते ही अपने जीवन का नया अध्याय शुरू कर दिया। दोनों एक जैसे सफेद कपड़ों में एक जैसे लग रहे थे। प्रेमी जोड़े ने अपने इंस्टाग्राम हैंडल से अपनी शादी की तस्वीरें शेयर कीं और इतने सालों तक चुप रहने के बाद आखिरकार अपनी प्रेम कहानी के बारे में बताया। दोनों ने माना कि सात साल पहले…

[divisional-news]

Vijay Mallya: A Profile in Ambition and Controversy

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Vijay Vittal Mallya, born on December 18, 1955, in Kolkata, India, emerged as a prominent figure in both the business and political realms. He hailed from a distinguished family, with his father, Vittal Mallya, serving as the former chairman of the United Breweries Group. Mallya’s journey into the business world commenced with his ascension to the chairmanship of the United Breweries Group at the young age of 28, following his father’s demise.

Educated at La Martinière Calcutta and later at St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, Mallya honed his business acumen and leadership skills. His early exposure to the family business instilled in him a drive for success and innovation, setting the stage for his ambitious endeavors in the years to come.

Rise to Prominence

Mallya’s foray into entrepreneurship saw him expand the United Breweries conglomerate, propelling its turnover to remarkable heights. His strategic vision and dynamic leadership earned him the moniker “King of Good Times,” reflecting his flamboyant lifestyle and business success. In 2005, Mallya ventured into the aviation sector with the launch of Kingfisher Airlines, aiming to revolutionize air travel in India.

The Downfall of Kingfisher Airlines

Despite initial success, Kingfisher Airlines faced turbulence as operational challenges and mounting debts threatened its viability. Mallya’s ambitious expansion plans, coupled with economic downturns and flawed business strategies, led to the airline’s eventual demise in 2012. The collapse of Kingfisher Airlines marked a significant setback in Mallya’s career, tarnishing his once-glittering reputation.

Financial Controversies and Extradition Efforts

Mallya’s fall from grace was compounded by allegations of financial impropriety and loan defaults. Indian banks, led by the State Bank of India, sought to recover substantial sums owed by Vijay Mallya, initiating legal proceedings and extradition efforts. His attempts to evade accountability and flee to the United Kingdom further intensified the legal battle, casting him as a symbol of corporate malfeasance and financial mismanagement.

Legacy and Legal Battles

The legacy of Vijay Mallya is one marred by controversy and legal battles, underscoring the complexities of business ethics and corporate governance. Despite his entrepreneurial achievements, Mallya’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the perils of unchecked ambition and financial recklessness.

As the Indian government pursues extradition proceedings and legal action against Mallya, his status as a fugitive economic offender underscores the broader challenges of white-collar crime and regulatory oversight. His story serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities and repercussions inherent in corporate leadership.

Conclusion

Vijay Mallya’s journey epitomizes the highs and lows of entrepreneurial ambition, from the pinnacle of success to the depths of controversy and legal scrutiny. His rise as a business magnate and subsequent fall from grace offer valuable lessons in accountability, integrity, and the complexities of modern capitalism. As legal proceedings continue and his legacy unfolds, Mallya remains a polarizing figure, emblematic of both the allure and pitfalls of corporate power.

[jayprakashraj]

PM Modi’s Operation ‘Bhagoda Return’: Government Clamps Down On Fugitives, Preparations To Bring Them To India | Raj Express

India is intensifying efforts to bring back economic offenders who fled to Britain. Vijay Mallya, Nirav Modi, and Sanjay Bhandari are among those targeted. Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) teams will visit London to facilitate their extradition.

[shaadiwish]

Siddharth Mallya Gets Engaged To Girlfriend Jasmine & Here Are Inside Pictures. Stay Tuned To ShaadiWish For Latest Trends And Ideas.

[stackumbrella1]

जानें विजय माल्या कौनसी Whisky Brands के हैं मालिक जो है भारत की Top 10 Whisky Brands में शामिल !!!

इसमें कोई शक नहीं कि भारतीयों का व्हिस्की के लिए प्यार कभी कम नहीं हो सकता, चाहे कितनी ही महंगी व्हिस्की की बोतल हो या शानदार स्कॉच व्हिस्की की अच्छी बोतल, मार्केट में दोनों की बराबर मांग है। वहीं अगर बात करें  Whisky Brands In India की तो व्हिस्की लवर्स के लिए यह नई सौगात से कम नहीं हैं।

रॉयल चैलेंजर्स , ऑफिसर्स चॉइस, बैगपाइपर, ओरिजिनल चॉइस और डायरेक्टर्स स्पेशल जैसे व्हिस्की ब्रांड के लिए कई किफायती विकल्प हैं। कुछ ऐसे ब्रांडस है जो धीरे-धीरे आगे बड़ते हुए अपनी छाप छोड़ रहे है। जैसे कि इम्पीरियल ब्लू, ब्लेंडर्स प्राइड, मैकडॉवेल्स सिग्नेचर आदि 2022 के सबसे सर्वश्रेष्ठ ब्रांडस में से एक है।

Table Of Contents

Top 10 Whisky Brands In India

1. Dewars 18 

2. Black Dog Reserve 

3. Glenkinchie 12 Years Old 

4. The Glenlivet 12 Years Old

5. Imperial Blue Whisky

6. McDowell’s Signature Whisky 

7. Monkey Shoulder 

8. Amrut Whisky Fusion Single Malt  

9. Royal Stag Barrel Select Whisky 

10. Chivas Regal 12-Year Old Whisky 

Price List Of Top 10 Whisky Brands In India 

Top 10 Whisky Brands In India

1. Dewars 18 

यह व्हिस्की भारत की सबसे पुरानी Whisky Brands में से एक है। इसकी 750 Ml की Bottle 8,500 रुपए में मिलती है।

इसने 2012 International Wine & Spirits Competition में स्वर्ण पदक जीता, तो यह इस बात का प्रमाण है कि इसने Top 10 Whisky Brands In India की लिस्ट में सर्वश्रेष्ठ व्हिस्की ब्रांडों में टॉप स्थान हासिल किया।

यह भारत की टॉप रेटेड Whisky Brands में से एक है। Dewars ने अपने प्रतिष्ठित 18 साल पूरे कर लिए है।

[kashmirmonitor]

FIR filed against Vijay Mallya in cheque bounce case

FIR filed against Vijay Mallya in cheque bounce case

A fresh FIR has been filed against fugitive economic offender Vijay Mallya by Delhi Police for not appearing before a special court in connection with a cheque bounce case. The hearing was going on in Rouse Avenue Court. The court noted that the accused was skipping the trial and was not willing to appear before it. The court then directed the Delhi Police to lodge an FIR against the accused. A…

[swpics]

Sunbeam Tiger driven by Former Force India GP team boss Vijay Mallya at VSCC Spring Start, Silverstone. Report in the latest issue of Classic and Competition Car magazine. Now available to read, free at www.classcompcar.com

[newsarticle4u]

Vijay Mallya Houses: "King of Good Times" Million-Dollar Homes

Introduction

Vijay Mallya, the erstwhile king of Indian liquor and a prominent figure in the world of business and sports, is known for his extravagant lifestyle and substantial real estate holdings. Despite his current legal troubles, Mallya's real estate portfolio remains a topic of fascination. This article delves into the details of Vijay Mallya Houses, his properties, their costs, and the impact of his real estate investments.

Vijay Mallya Mansion: Kingfisher towers, Banglore

Vijay Mallya owns an exceptional 40,000 sq ft penthouse atop a skyscraper in Bangalore. Notably, this penthouse is unique as it is the only mansion situated on the top of a 34-story building.

Resembling the iconic White House, Mallya’s Bangalore residence epitomizes luxury, featuring an infinity pool and a helipad. The penthouse offers panoramic 360-degree views of the city. With an estimated investment exceeding Rs 66 crore, the Skyhouse stands as a symbol of opulence. However, despite its grandeur, the property remains incomplete, making it unlikely that Vijay Mallya resides there.

Sausalito Mansion, California:

Vijay Mallya’s home in Sausalito, California, is regarded as one of the town’s most notable residences, boasting views that extend from Belvedere to the Bay Bridge and San Francisco, according to a 2003 report by SFGate.

Mallya purchased this expansive Mediterranean-style mansion for $1.2 million (Approx 10 Cr). The luxurious home includes seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms and is the largest single-family home in Sausalito. After defaulting on the property, it is now listed for sale at $16.8 million (Approx 140 Cr). described in listings as an "elegant European palace," stands as the largest single-family home in Sausalito nearly 11,000-square-foot estate

Also read: Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

Vijay Mallya House: London house:

Built in 1823, this historic property is now the residence of Vijay Mallya and his family. Mallya acquired this magnificent estate for a significant amount. A comparable six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house on Cornwall Terrace is currently listed for £25 million ($31 million), providing an insight into the luxurious interiors of Mallya's home.

Mabula Game Lodge

Mabula Game Lodge, celebrated as one of South Africa’s premier private game reserves, encompasses 12,000 hectares of stunning wilderness. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in this expansive 25,000-acre estate, having acquired it for $6 million.

Le Grand Jaardin house in France

Vijay Mallya acquired a distinctive luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite, the largest among the four Lérins islands, situated about half a mile from the French Riviera town of Cannes. This estate, famously known as Le Grand Jardin or The Grand Garden, stands out as the sole piece of private property in the center of the island. Mallya reportedly purchased this exclusive estate for an impressive $60 million.

Vijay Mallya's Giga - Yacht:

Vijay Mallya was well-known for his lavish gatherings aboard his grand yacht, the Indian Empress. At 95 meters in length, the Indian Empress is the 33rd largest private yacht in the world.

The yacht was first launched in 2000 by Dutch shipyard OCEANCO as Al Mirqab for its original owners, the Qatari Royal Family. Mallya later purchased this luxurious vessel for $93 million.

Also read: Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

Vijay Mallya Houses: Trump Plaza Apartment

In September 2010, Vijay Mallya acquired a penthouse in Trump Plaza for $2.4 million, making it one of the most costly penthouses in New York at the time.

Additionally, Mallya expanded his real estate portfolio by purchasing three separate apartments in Trump Plaza, Manhattan, within a span of just seven months.

Vijay Mallya Houses: Ladywalk Mansion, London

Located in the village of Tewin, Hertfordshire, the Ladywalk mansion was acquired by Vijay Mallya from its previous owner, Anthony Hamilton. In 2015, while owning Formula 1’s Force India, Mallya purchased the property for €11.5 million. The estate is equipped with comprehensive security, including guards and CCTV cameras. It is widely believed that Vijay Mallya currently resides at Ladywalk mansion.

source: loveproperty

Vijay Mallya Houses list: Overview

Property Name

Location

Cost

Kingfisher Towers

Bangalore, India

₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

Sausalito Mansion

Sausalito, California

$1.2 Million (~₹10 Crore)

London House

Cornwall Terrace, London

260 crores (~$31 Million)

Mabula Game Lodge

South Africa

$6 Million

Le Grand Jardin

Sainte-Marguerite, France

$60 Million (Approx 500 Cr)

Indian Empress

Yacht (Details Not Location-Specific)

$100 Million(Apprx 800 cr)

Trump Plaza Apartment

New York, USA

$2.4 Million (20 Cr)

Ladywalk Mansion

Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK

100 Cr (~$12.5 Million)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1: What is the Kingfisher Towers?

A1: Kingfisher Towers is a 40,000 sq ft penthouse located in Bangalore, India. It is perched atop a 34-story building and features an infinity pool and helipad. The property is valued at approximately ₹66 Crore (~$8.8 Million)

2. Where is Le Grand Jardin located and how much did it cost?

A2: Le Grand Jardin is a luxury estate on the Island of Sainte-Marguerite in France, near Cannes. Mallya purchased this unique property for $60 Million.

3. What is the Indian Empress? .

A3: The Indian Empress is a 95-meter yacht, one of the largest private yachts globally. Vijay Mallya bought it for $93 Million

4. What is the Ladywalk Mansion?

A4: Ladywalk Mansion is a property in Tewin, Hertfordshire, UK. Mallya purchased it in 2015 for €11.5 Million (~$12.5 Million). The mansion is heavily secured and is believed to be Mallya’s current residence.

5. What can you tell me about Mabula Game Lodge?

A5: Mabula Game Lodge is a 25,000-acre game reserve in South Africa. Vijay Mallya owns a 99.5% stake in the reserve, which he acquired for $6 Million

Suggested Articles:

Gautam Adani House: Networth, Business and more

MS Dhoni Farm House: Address, Photos, Cost and Net Worth

Inside Antilia: Mukesh Ambani House price, Networth, Address

[daily-quiz-join]

विजय म���ल्या के बेटे सिद्धार्थ की शादी में दिखे भगोड़े ललित मोदी? जानिए क्या है मामला

यूके में सिद्धार्थ माल्या और जैस्मीन की शादी में, इंडियन प्रीमियर लीग (आईपीएल) के पूर्व प्रमुख, भगोड़े ललित मोदी की अप्रत्याशित उपस्थिति ने ऑनलाइन काफी चर्चा बटोरी। हर्टफोर्डशायर में विजय माल्या की आलीशान संपत्ति में मोदी की मौजूदगी कैमरे में कैद हुई, जिसने उत्सव में एक दिलचस्प मोड़ ला दिया। ईसाई और हिंदू रीति-रिवाजों के मिश्रण वाले इस भव्य समारोह के बीच, मोदी और माल्या को एक साथ देखकर मीम्स और…

[lewishamiltonstuff]

Wait... I just realized that guy in blue suit with Anthony in the background of the video of Lizzie interviewing Roscoe Hamilton is Vijay Mallya 😱

[menstitsillness]

pep guardiola and vijay mallya in the mercedes garage this weekend.. oh i know they're cooking something for that budget cap

[youreamonocoque]

Wait Vijay Mallya's allowed in the UK now?

[iammitesh86]

List of 28 people who looted money from Indian banks:-

1) Vijay Mallya

2) Mehul Choksi

3) Nirav Modi

4) Nishan Modi

5) Pushpesh Baidya

6) Ashish Jobanputra

7) Sunny Kalra

8) Aarti Kalra

9) Sanjay Kalra

10) Varsha Kalra

11) Sudhir Kalra

12) Jatin Mehta

13) Umesh Parikh

14) Kamlesh Parikh

15) Nilesh Parikh

16) Vinay Mittal

17) Eklavya Garga

18) Chetan Jayantilal

19) Nitin Jayantilal

20) Deepti Chetan

21) Saviya Seth

22) Rajiv Goyal

23) Alka Goyal

24) Lalit Modi

25) Ritesh Jain

26) Hitesh Nagendrabhai Patel

27) Mayuriben Patel

28) Ashish Suresh Bhai

The total amount looted was Rs. 10,000,000,000,000/- is.

(is ten trillion rupees)

something special-

None of them are Pakistani

None of them are Muslims,

None of them are empty,

None of them are Sikhs, none of them are Jats, farmers, laborers, workers,

None of these so-called urban Naxalites,

None of these belong to OBC/SC/ST,

None of these belong to Haryana Punjab Uttar Pradesh Rajasthan

Except Vijay Mallya, everyone else is from Gujarat!

People need to ask themselves this question.

They owned private companies and the government wants to give them to government banks, in the hands of private companies, the money of government banks belongs to the common people. Save the government banks, save the country. ✊Please share this message as much as possible, so that the eyes of the bigots are opened, how in the name of Hindutva, they have looted the hard earned money of the countrymen and settled abroad.

#money #banks #people #badloan #bharatjodoyatra

[tradewithraj]

Gurugram has a king of good times. Lakeforest Wines is both liquor monopoly & a renaissance

‘It used to be the monopoly of Ponty Chadha,’ Neeraj Sachdeva, Lakeforest founder, said. After running a wine business in California, Sachdeva now rules Gurugram.

Neeraj Sachdeva, founder of Lakeforest Wines, at his office in Gurugram's Sector 18 | Photo: Sagrika Kissu | ThePrint

Gurugram: Neeraj Sachdeva’s world of affluence is divided into two hemispheres. On weekends, he tees off at Gurugram’s exclusive DLF Golf Club, often sharing the greens with the likes of cricket legends Kapil Dev and Yuvraj Singh. But come Monday, he’s back at his Sector 18 office, steering the growth of his liquor empire, Lakeforest Wines, now virtually a household name across Delhi-NCR.

But 55-year-old Sachdeva is no ordinary booze baron—he’s the first mover behind Gurugram’s transformation into Delhi-NCR’s liquor mecca. Selling everything from Red Label to Chilean reds to Japan’s Suntory Whisky Toki, shiny, mall-like chain outlets have become a symbol of the city’s pride and identity. In Haryana, a state where alcohol was banned between 1996 and 1998 and the market was long confined to dingy shops, Sachdeva returned from the US in 2004 with a vision to reshape how alcohol was sold, seen, and savoured in Gurugram—and pulled it off. Today, he’s not just a local player; he’s one of India’s biggest importers of wine – the quintessential drink of the wealthy.

“I always had confidence in myself that I would make it very big. I always wanted to make a lot of money,” Sachdeva said, seated in his plush office, surrounded by shelves of top-selling wine bottles.

A certified sommelier, Sachdeva ran a successful wine business in California before he decided to return to India 18 years ago, when the liquor market was dominated by barons like Ponty Chadha and Vijay Mallya. At first, Sachdeva had plans to manage the import section of Chadha’s operations, but the deal fell through. That’s when he opened his own upscale liquor store in Gurugram in 2007, located in the buzzing Sahara Mall and with celebrities like Ajay Devgn and Shilpa Shetty adding glamour to the inauguration.

Back then, convincing Sahara Mall’s management to allow a liquor store wasn’t easy, and he ended up with a shop tucked away at the back. But nearly two decades later, Gurugram’s liquor market has exploded, and there’s even a local saying: “There are fewer people and more liquor stores in Gurugram.”

With Haryana’s relatively liberal excise policy, a per capita income that’s topped the national average by about 70 per cent for years, and Gurugram’s cosmopolitan corporate culture, competitors like Discovery Wines and, later, G-Town are also vying for the high-end space now.

Sachdeva, however, had already carved out his advantage by securing the only Imported Foreign Liquor (IFL) licence in the region until 2018, establishing an early monopoly in the sector.

“From 2008 till 2017-2018, Neeraj Sachdeva was the king of imported liquor,” said a senior excise official in Gurugram on condition of anonymity. This dominance was largely due to Sachdeva’s control over the exclusive bottle in licence (BIO) and the L1 BF licence, which allowed him to import and distribute alcohol across Haryana. The official also noted that no one else could afford the steep import license fee until prices dropped from a high of Rs 50 crore in 2018. As a result, Haryana now has 16 L1B license holders.

Even though we now have an L1-BF licence, we still source certain wines from Neeraj because we don’t have the same access to international wine markets. He was ahead of his time and had branded himself in a way that made him stand out

-Abhimanyu Singla, owner of Discovery Wines

“While domestic players like Singlas, Mahalaxmi, and ADS stayed local, Sachdeva supplied top hotels like the Taj, Crowne Plaza, and Oberoi and through this he established relationships with big hoteliers, bars, and HNIs (high net worth individuals), building a strong distribution network,” added the official.

Sachdeva’s taste for luxury is reflected in his wine brand, Niccolo Sanitino, which he claims is the Italian version of his name. His influence reaches far and wide —politicians, cricketers, and Bollywood stars alike buy from him because they “trust the quality” of his liquor, he said.

“I can easily say that right now I am the number one private liquor importer in India. I am the only one with a backward integration channel. I even supply liquor to my competitors, Discovery Wines and G-Town, and big bars and restaurants in Sector 29 of Gurugram,” Sachdeva added. “For me, buying liquor should be akin to a shopping experience, and I have ensured Gurgaon has that. I want the world to learn the Gurugram way.”

Global ambitions

When Neeraj Sachdeva was growing up in Delhi, he had his fair share of brushes with future celebrities—playing cricket with Shah Rukh Khan, his senior at St Columba’s school, partying with fellow Delhi University student Akshay Kumar in Vasant Kunj, and, later, forging a close friendship with Vivek Oberoi.

“As a kid, I admired many people. Now, those people are my fans,” he smiled.

But Sachdeva isn’t content with merely lubricating the parties of India’s rich and famous or running his glitzy retail outlets—20 in Gurugram and a few in West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

The two other pillars of his business are import and distribution and that’s where he is smelling the greatest opportunities.

His goal is to become the world’s biggest distributor of liquor, and he is doing everything he can to get there. He already owns a distillery in France and breweries in Chile, Spain and Scotland, where Lakeforest Wines produces its own gin, wine, and tequila. It also imports and sells its wines in India under brands such as Woodbridge, Temalo, and La Fantasia, starting at Rs 900 per bottle.

Currently, Lakeforest Wines owns around 12 liquor brands worldwide and represents one of the world’s largest wine groups, Constellation, in India. They are also launching their own tequila brand, Don Santos.

“Popular brands in the world don’t get entry into India. We partner with them and import those brands under our panels. We have already given people our retail experience. Now, we want to show how distribution is done,” said Sachdeva.

First wine, then beer

As Sachdeva gears up to conquer new realms in the liquor industry, his competitors are taking notes.

“Sachdeva has followed in the footsteps of Amandeep Singh Dhall from the Brindco Group,” said a competitor, asking to remain anonymous. “Dhall began by focusing on the import and distribution of premium wines before later expanding into beer.”

Dhall was a top player in the wine business—until his arrest last year in the Delhi excise policy case for allegedly paying kickbacks to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. Other than Brindco, distributors such as Pernod Ricard and IndoSpirits were also named in the case and denied licence renewals in Delhi last year.

With a gap in the market, other players are vying for dominance and Sachdeva is a frontrunner.

“India is developing a taste for wine, with consumption rates on the rise. Sachdeva stands out as one of the largest importers in this growing market,” said a senior official of the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI). “The wine market is small and fragmented, but it is the most prestigious segment.”

India’s wine market dipped from Rs 1,900 crore in 2020 to Rs 1,625 crore in 2021 during the pandemic, but high-end wines weathered the storm better, according to an industry report by the consultancy firm Technopak. By 2022, the market was rebounding, with projections to reach Rs 3,795 crore by 2025.

The “premiumisation” of the alcohol industry and the growing social acceptance of wine are key drivers of this growth, with imported wines anticipated to make up 18 percent of the market, the report added.

According to a Forbes report last October, wine consumption in India increased by 29 per cent in 2022, with an estimated 10 million Indians reportedly drinking it regularly.

In 2023-24 alone, Sachdeva imported wine worth over Rs 85 crore. Even his main competitors, Discovery and G-Town (formerly Jagdish Wines), purchase a portion of their imported wine from him.

“Even though we now have an L1-BF licence, we still source certain wines from Neeraj because we don’t have the same access to international wine markets,” said Abhimanyu Singla, owner of Discovery Wines. “He was ahead of his time and had branded himself in a way that made him stand out.”

For Sachdeva, quality is paramount in his premium wine imports—reputation is everything. His import business follows a rigorous process—the company first procures wine samples, tastes them, and then visits the wineries in those countries to ensure consistency before starting the shipment.

“We get most of our shipments in cooler periods because temperature is a constraint and the fluctuation should not be more than 10 degrees. It’s very hot in June and July, so your wine will be cooked, and you are done,” said Sachdeva.

Much like Dhall, Sachdeva is also turning his attention to imported beer. His target is Europe, with a focus on bringing prominent beer brands from Belgium, the Czech Republic, and Germany into the Indian market.

I would go to people’s houses (in the US), teach them about wine, and do tastings with their friends. Soon, the word spread, and instead of going to wineries, people came to my store to taste wine and get it bottled

-Neeraj Sachdeva

These lofty dreams require deep pockets due to India’s prohibitively high tariffs on imported alcohol. Any finished alcoholic product entering India faces a 150 per cent basic duty, according to the ISWAI official—and that’s just the beginning.

“India has very high tariffs. After basic duty, the finished product that comes to India, goes to the states, and then there are additional duties charged on imported products, and that makes the entire process really expensive,” the official added.

But more than tariffs, Sachdeva’s biggest concern is retaining quality and freshness. To overcome this, he’s working on efficient distribution channels.

“Europe is a hub of good beers, but it’s a difficult market to crack because the transit time is too long. We plan to logistically bring the beer to India. The day it is brewed, we will get it here,” said Sachdeva.

The long game

Sachdeva’s life seems straight out of a Bollywood movie: a liquor baron living in the ultra-exclusive Camellias complex, hosting parties twice a week to strengthen his network, and playing golf with the who’s who of Gurugram. At the end of a long day, he enjoys his whiskey and vodka in the comfort of his opulent apartment, where the building even boasts its own movie theatre, cigar bar, and bowling alley.

“I am an out-and-out businessman, and you can call me a social butterfly,” said Sachdeva, whose flamboyant personality matches his bold business strategies.

Despite his straightforward nature and accessibility, Sachdeva draws strict boundaries to protect grand vision. He keeps his inner circle tight, allowing only three childhood friends—who work alongside him and know every detail of his business—into his confidence. He doesn’t like to name them and keeps them out of the public eye.

Sachdeva once learned the hard way about the risks of the liquor business when he opened a store in Faridabad and ended up spending a day in jail, accused of defrauding the administration.

“That store was run by my uncle but was in my name. I closed the unit. Can you imagine, I’ve never even been to Faridabad. You can’t trust anyone in this business. Rich people in India have a lot of money, and they want to pull everyone down,” he said solemnly.

Currently, Sachdeva and his team of three friends-cum-business partners are preparing to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to allow them to offer shares of the company to the general public and institutional investors. It’s a move that would place his private liquor company firmly on the industry map.

My father is very serious about his business. After graduation, he told me he wouldn’t give me any position without first understanding the business and working as a regular employee for a few years

-Riya Sachdeva, head of Lakeforest Wines’ media and public relations

He’s set a three-year target for this goal. His three-floor glass-fronted office is bustling with private equity investors, investment bankers, and auditors, all preparing him for this big step.

“You have to qualify for all the SEBI rules and regulations, get your accounts audited—listing on the stock exchange is seen as a sign of respectability for a liquor baron,” said an employee working at the headquarters of Lakeforest Wines.

At any given time, Sachdeva has multiple projects in the air. He’s even distributing a few brands for Diageo, one of the largest liquor companies in the world.

“I am going to meet Diageo India MD Ashish Parikh at Golf Club,” said Sachdeva, as he rushed out of his office on a busy afternoon in his Range Rover.

Love story with wine

Sachdeva’s is not a rags-to-riches story, but his family has gone through some rough patches.

His mother, Kamlesh, who now lives in The Magnolias—a high-end gated complex next to Camellias—recalled how she had to take charge of the family’s finances after her husband, Sachdeva’s late father, suffered losses in the auto ancillary business he ran in Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate. To make ends meet, she stitched school uniforms, eventually hiring 10 workers as her business grew. But luxuries were few. When wealthier relatives visited and bought Coca-Cola bottles for the kids, Neeraj would never touch them.

“He always felt that the relatives were being arrogant and mocking our financial situation. He would say, ‘Mumma, I will be super rich someday,’” said Kamlesh, smiling.

After finishing his schooling and college in Delhi, Sachdeva moved to the US in 1994, chasing the capitalist dream of becoming a wealthy businessman—not in wine, but in garment trading.

While staying with his uncle, an Intel employee in California, a visit to a vineyard changed everything. Sachdeva shifted his focus to the wine industry, taking jobs at wine stores and earning his certification as a sommelier. His entrepreneurial instincts quickly kicked in.

“While working at a store, it crossed my mind that wine tastes different every year—so what if I open a wine tasting room inside the store?” said Sachdeva.

At the time, he encountered scepticism about whether an Indian could pull off such a venture, but he persisted, and eventually, his wine tasting room became a hit. His concept was simple: pay $5 to taste a flight of 5-6 wines, and if you bought a bottle, the tasting fee would be adjusted.

Whenever I ask (Neeraj) to slow down, he says, ‘Ma, it’s not about me anymore but about the 400 people who work with me. Their lives are dependent on me. They expect an increment every year, and I can’t be selfish

-Kamlesh Sachdeva

“I would go to people’s houses, teach them about wine, and do tastings with their friends. Soon, the word spread, and instead of going to wineries, people came to my store to taste wine and get it bottled,” said Sachdeva.

This is when Sachdeva began networking. He conducted wine tastings with the MD of Intel, the Rockefeller group, and built valuable contacts in the industry. In 1996, he opened his first store in El Dorado Hills, marketing himself by conducting tastings with the city’s elite.

Business was thriving, but in the mid-2000s, his wife Ruchira set India plans in motion. As a homeopathic doctor, she was unable to practice in the US and wanted to return home.

Sachdeva followed her in 2004. Within just two months in Gurugram, it struck him that he could create a wine oasis in the city.

“Back then, stores were dingy, shabby, and had black-coloured grilles as if the alcohol was being supplied from a jail,” recalled Sachdeva. “There was nothing here, and I had all the knowledge of the industry. I was sure I couldn’t fail here.”

A few initial hiccups didn’t deter him.

“It used to be the monopoly of Ponty Chadha back then. So, I met him and asked him to let me handle his import section of the business,” Sachdeva said. When the deal didn’t materialise, he devoted himself to opening his new store. Since then, there’s been no looking back.

A slight hangover

In April 2022, actor Nargis Fakhri inaugurated Lakeforest’s grandest outlet yet—an 11,000-square-foot luxury store, L1 West, in Sector 17/18, complete with a sommelier, a vast selection of high-end brands, and even a wine gallery. Sachdeva, dapper in a cream-coloured suit, was present at the event, mingling with other members of Gurugram’s high society.

Earlier this month, another Lakeforest outlet opened at the Delhi-Gurugram Rajokri border, touted in social media posts as a “woman-friendly store with an immense parking space”.

Puttering around her luxury apartment, however, 75-year-old Kamlesh Sachdeva said she wishes her son would press pause for a while.  She pointed out that he has earned enough to secure the future of their family for generations.

“But whenever I ask him to slow down, he says, ‘Ma, it’s not about me anymore but about the 400 people who work with me. Their lives are dependent on me. They expect an increment every year, and I can’t be selfish,’” she said.

A devout follower of the Brahma Kumaris, a spiritual movement that advocates teetotalism and simple living, Kamlesh fills her days with meditation, kitty parties, and card games with her society friends. But it still gets lonely in her Magnolias apartment, which her son gifted her two years ago, while he shifted to the nearby Camellias.

“Such a big house, and see, I am alone. We got so involved in building our empire that we forgot to enjoy our lives,” she said, pointing to family pictures on the walls.

Sachdeva’s wife, Ruchira, shares similar sentiments.

“As you grow bigger, you’re bound by obligations that must be fulfilled. You see couples enjoying their time together; we don’t have that, and I often complain about it,” said Ruchira, who runs a charitable dispensary in Gurugram.

Ruchira has been urging Sachdeva to take a trip to Europe with her to visit their younger daughter Rima, who’s studying in Spain, but he hasn’t found the time.

“I’m going alone now,” she said. “When I got married in 1994 and went to the US with him, I didn’t know we would become so big.”