Actress and former Kingfisher Calendar model Esha Gupta has candidly addressed long-standing rumors about Vijay Mallya’s involvement with the models featured in his iconic swimsuit calendar. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Esha confirmed that Mallya “took a lot of interest” in the models but clarified that she was never part of his inner circle or invited to his famed yacht parties.
“I Wasn’t One of Those Models,” Says Esha
When asked about the lavish gatherings Mallya hosted for his calendar stars, Esha responded:
“That I’ve never attended. Na mujhe invite aaya, to be honest. I think only one party once I was invited to, but I wasn’t a model back then. I was invited through someone else in Delhi.”
Despite being featured in the 2010 edition of the Kingfisher Calendar, Esha emphasized that her association with the brand was strictly professional.
Mallya Responds: “It Was a Marketing Tool”
In a separate podcast appearance, Vijay Mallya defended the calendar’s legacy, stating:
“We chose the right girls… It was a fantastic marketing tool. Did not bring anything to me personally.”
He credited the calendar for launching the careers of stars like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, while denying any personal involvement beyond brand strategy.
A Cultural Phenomenon
Launched in 2003, the Kingfisher Calendar quickly became a pop culture staple, known for its exotic shoots and as a launchpad for aspiring actresses. Its influence even inspired the 2015 Bollywood film Calendar Girls.
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