A mansion perched atop a skyscraper in the bustling Indian city of Bangalore has captured attention, not only for its striking and unconventional design but also due to the improbable scenario that its owner may never grace its lavish interiors with their presence.
Perched at a staggering height of 400 feet atop Kingfisher Towers, the two-story replica of the White House spans an impressive area of 40,000 square meters. This $20 million mansion, constructed on a giant cantilever slab, is situated within the luxurious retail and office space of UB City. It occupies a 4.5-acre land parcel, once the site of the owner’s ancestral home.
Vijay Mallya, son of United Breweries Group founder Vittal Mallay, departed India in March 2016 amidst intense scrutiny from lenders and investigating agencies over allegations of borrowing substantial sums of money without repayment. Since then, the 67-year-old Mallya has been embroiled in legal battles, with India seeking his extradition from the UK to face charges.
The two-story replica of the White House, perched at 400 feet atop Kingfisher Towers, spans an impressive area of 40,000 square meters. Situated on a giant cantilever slab within the luxurious retail and office space of UB City, this mansion was intended to include amenities such as a wine cellar, an indoor heated pool, an outdoor infinity pool, and a rooftop helipad, among others. However, the completed project has remained shrouded in mystery since Mallya announced plans for its construction in 2010.
The 34-storey skyscraper accommodates approximately 81 apartments across three blocks. Developed as an extension of UB City, it was built under a joint development agreement between United Breweries Holdings Ltd (UBHL) and Prestige Estates Projects Ltd. UBHL holds a 55% stake, while the developer owns the remaining 45%.
The 34-storey skyscraper comprises approximately 81 apartments spread across three blocks. While the mansion atop was envisioned to include amenities like a wine cellar, indoor heated pool, outdoor infinity pool, and a rooftop helipad, among others, the final product has remained veiled in mystery.
Vijay Mallya’s departure to the UK stemmed from allegations that he diverted millions from $1.4 billion in loans to Kingfisher Airlines, utilizing the funds for property acquisitions and sustaining a lavish lifestyle rather than bolstering the airline’s operations. After his arrest in March 2017, he was granted conditional bail.
In 2020, Mallya’s attempts to evade extradition reached a conclusion when his final appeal in the High Court was dismissed, yet he has since remained in the UK. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat emphasized the UK’s commitment to extraditing fugitives, stressing that the UK government collaborates closely with Indian authorities regarding Mallya’s and Nirav Modi’s cases.
Tugendhat affirmed that the UK will not permit its legal system to serve as a shield for criminals, declaring that the country will not become a safe haven for those evading justice.
Mallya unveiled his vision to construct the dream home in 2010. The skyscraper housing this mansion was conceived as an expansion of UB City, which was developed under a collaborative agreement between United Breweries Holdings Ltd (UBHL) and Prestige Estates Projects Ltd.