Back in the buzz, Vijay Mallya had a special place in actress Sameera Reddy's life

In a fresh twist to the ever-evolving tale of Vijay Mallya, another unexpected chapter from the liquor baron’s life has resurfaced—this time far removed from courtrooms and cricket pitches. While the buzz around Royal Challengers Bangalore's recent IPL victory has reignited curiosity about the former team owner, a surprising revelation from actress Sameera Reddy’s past has left many doing a double take.

The Man Who Walked Her to the Mandap

Not many would associate Mallya, long known for his high-profile image and turbulent legal journey, with intimate family traditions like a wedding ceremony. But back in 2014, during her marriage to businessman Akshai Varde, Sameera Reddy revealed that it was none other than Vijay Mallya who stepped in for one of the most important rituals — the kanyadaan.

Sameera disclosed that Mallya, connected to her through her maternal lineage, was the one who accompanied her to the wedding mandap and performed the ceremonial handover to the groom. At the time, this gesture flew largely under the radar. Even those present at the ceremony were left puzzled about Mallya’s exact relation to the bride, with clarity arriving only later.

Though not a blood relative in the strictest sense, Mallya’s appearance in that crucial familial role marked a rare glimpse into a side of him seldom seen by the public — a quiet, emotionally resonant presence at a private family event.

A Love Story That Didn't Start Smooth

The wedding itself was kept deliberately low-profile, with only close friends and family attending. But the backstory of how Sameera met her husband added another layer of intrigue.

Their first meeting wasn’t at a glitzy party or film premiere, but during a promotional event tied to her action film Tezz. The event involved a bike-riding sequence, and Akshai Varde, who owned the motorbike company handling the event, was present.

What followed could’ve been a scene from a film. Sameera confessed she was immediately drawn to him, while he remained more concerned about his motorcycle than the film star almost crashing it. Unfazed, she took charge — asking him for his number and initiating conversation. That one meeting set the course for a relationship that would lead to marriage.

A Career with Range and Reinvention

Sameera Reddy’s filmography spans a diverse mix of genres. After her debut in Maine Dil Tujhko Diya opposite Sohail Khan, she went on to act in films like Musafir, Race, De Dana Dan, and Taxi Number 9211. Known for playing bold, often unconventional roles, Sameera became a recognizable name in the early 2000s before stepping away from the film scene.

Today, she’s built a strong presence on social media, often speaking on themes rarely addressed in Bollywood circles — body image, postpartum issues, and mental well-being. She continues to engage a new generation of followers, not through cinema, but through candid conversations that resonate.

Mallya's Resurgence Through a Mic

While Sameera’s wedding story is making waves for its emotional undertones, Mallya’s return to headlines has taken a dramatically different route. In a recent long-format conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani, the former tycoon offered unfiltered commentary on the many controversies surrounding him.

Unlike his usual guarded public appearances, Mallya chose to confront uncomfortable questions directly. The podcast, which has already crossed 18 million views within three days, sees him touch on legal troubles, media scrutiny, and public perception. It has triggered polarising reactions — while some see it as a bold move, others view it as a carefully curated image reset.

This sudden media storm has also inadvertently shone light on older, lesser-known moments from his life — like his presence at Sameera’s wedding — that were otherwise buried under years of headlines involving court cases and financial collapse.

A Tale of Two Drastically Different Lives Intersecting

The resurfacing of Mallya’s connection with Sameera Reddy comes at a time when both figures are being discussed for vastly different reasons. One is celebrated for her relatable motherhood content and throwback charm. The other is embroiled in debates after a viral podcast reignited discussions on money, power, and consequences.

But in that one quiet ceremony, where the chaos of celebrity and scandal took a backseat, the two shared a moment far removed from the public glare — a businessman performing a heartfelt ritual for an actress stepping into a new phase of her life.

Sometimes, real stories don’t need fiction to make them fascinating.