Vijay Mallya, the former liquor tycoon and founder of Kingfisher Airlines, recently reflected on the impact of the iconic Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar during a podcast with YouTuber Raj Shamani. Launched in 2003 and shot by acclaimed photographer Atul Kasbekar, the calendar quickly became a pop-culture sensation and played a pivotal role in launching several Bollywood careers, including those of Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif.
Mallya revealed that the calendar was a strategic branding initiative rather than a personal venture. “I did it because it was a fantastic marketing tool. It didn’t bring anything to me personally, but it did wonders for the Kingfisher brand,” he shared. The calendar, known for its glamor and high production value, became synonymous with aspiration, luxury, and breakthrough talent in the entertainment industry.
Deepika Padukone also acknowledged the calendar’s role in shaping her early career. In a 2009 interview with FilmiBeat, she stated, “At the beginning of my career, I was part of the calendar, and it’s getting better every year.” The Kingfisher Calendar not only highlighted upcoming talent but also became a powerful launchpad for models aspiring to enter Bollywood, solidifying its place in Indian pop culture history.
