In a rare interview after years away from the spotlight, former businessman Vijay Mallya opened up about his famed Kingfisher empire, particularly the iconic Kingfisher calendar, which became a launchpad for many Indian models who later rose to stardom. Speaking on Raj Shamani’s podcast, Mallya reflected on how the calendar helped catapult the careers of now-superstars like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, calling them the “right girls” for the job.
The Kingfisher Calendar: More than Just a Photoshoot
The Kingfisher calendar, created by renowned photographer Atul Kasbekar, was India’s answer to the legendary Pirelli calendar. Running annually from 2003 to 2021, it became famous for featuring some of the most promising models and actresses, photographed in glamorous swimsuit shoots at exotic international locations.
When asked about the spectacular rise of the women who graced the Kingfisher calendar, Mallya said, “Well, because we chose the right girls. I mean, whether it was Deepika Padukone or Katrina Kaif, we had all the heroines and the stars on the calendar in their younger days.” This statement highlights the calendar’s role as a talent scout of sorts, identifying potential superstars before they became household names.
The interviewer pointed out that many of these models weren’t stars at the time they posed for the calendar, yet they became famous later. To this, Mallya replied confidently, “We picked well, we picked the right talent.” This not only reflects his sharp eye for talent but also the calendar’s significant influence in shaping Bollywood careers.
Social Considerations and the Calendar’s Unique Appeal
Interestingly, Mallya admitted that the Kingfisher calendar was consciously styled with India’s cultural sensitivities in mind. He said they deliberately chose swimsuit editions rather than pushing the boundaries further “due to social considerations of India.” This decision made the calendar accessible and acceptable to a wider Indian audience while still maintaining its allure and glamour.
The Kingfisher Calendar Model Hunt (now called Kingfisher Supermodels) was an annual competition designed to select fresh faces to feature in the calendar. Over the years, it became a sought-after platform for aspiring models to gain visibility and recognition. The roster of Kingfisher girls reads like a who’s who of Bollywood and Indian modeling — names like Yana Gupta, Karishma Kotak, Bruna Abdullah, Nargis Fakhri, Esha Gupta, Lisa Hayden, Saiyami Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Nora Fatehi, and Shubra Aiyappa are among the many who graced the calendar before making their mark.
Where Are They Now?
Deepika Padukone, one of the most celebrated actresses in India, was last seen in 2024 films like Fighter, Kalki 2898 AD, and Singham Again. Recently, it was announced that she will star alongside Allu Arjun in Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi venture, adding yet another big project to her impressive filmography.
Katrina Kaif, another major star who started her career with the Kingfisher calendar, was last seen in the 2024 release Merry Christmas. While she has not yet announced new projects, fans eagerly await her next move.
The Enduring Legacy of the Kingfisher Calendar
More than just a fashion calendar, the Kingfisher calendar was a cultural phenomenon that changed the trajectory of Indian modeling and cinema. It gave many young women a platform to showcase their talent and gain national and international attention. Vijay Mallya’s admission that they “picked the right talent” underscores the calendar’s reputation as a trusted incubator for future stars.
Even though the calendar was discontinued in 2021, its legacy continues. It remains an inspiration for many aspiring models and actors who dream of breaking into Bollywood and the Indian fashion industry.
In conclusion, Vijay Mallya’s reflections on the Kingfisher calendar offer a rare glimpse into the vision and foresight behind one of India’s most glamorous and influential fashion initiatives. By choosing the right talent and respecting cultural sensibilities, the Kingfisher calendar became a launchpad for some of the biggest names in Indian entertainment today.