Vijay Mallya, the former business tycoon and ex-Kingfisher Airlines chief, recently shared insights on how the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar became a launching pad for many models, including Katrina Kaif. His reflections come after renewed public attention on the calendar’s legacy and the rapid rise of stars like Katrina Kaif, whose Kingfisher calendar debut played a pivotal role in her Bollywood journey. The topic has gained renewed interest following Mallya’s extensive conversation with Raj Shamani, where he discussed the careful selection process and the marketing influence behind the Kingfisher calendar, aligning with our focus keyword: Katrina Kaif Kingfisher calendar debut and career rise.
The Selection Process Behind the Iconic Kingfisher Calendar
Known in the business world as the ‘King of Good Times,’ Vijay Mallya provided rare insights in a four-hour podcast, released on June 5, 2025, with entrepreneur Raj Shamani. During their conversation, Mallya explained how he and his team approached the task of selecting models for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar. Mallya, a prominent figure in Indian industry and at times a subject of legal controversy in the United Kingdom, reflected on how the annual calendar became more than just a brand exercise—it shaped careers and altered the landscape for aspiring Indian models.
He highlighted that casting decisions were made with precision. Among the standout discoveries were Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, both of whom starred on the calendar at young ages. Mallya noted that much of the calendar’s magic came from identifying future stars and giving them a highly visible platform. When asked about the secret behind transforming calendar girls into household names, Mallya replied,
“We chose the right girls, whether it was Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif. We had all the heroines and the stars on the calendar at a younger age. We picked the right talent. I did it because it was a fantastic marketing tool. Did not bring anything to me personally. But it did wonders to the brand.”
—Vijay Mallya, Former Kingfisher Airlines Chief
The Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar was first introduced in 2003 by the United Breweries Group, with photography by Atul Kasbekar, whom Mallya referred to as a “magician photographer.” Over the years, it achieved legendary status in Indian pop culture, serving as a stepping stone for models who would later become leading actors, notably in Bollywood.
Katrina Kaif’s Breakthrough: From Calendar Debut to Bollywood Fame
Katrina Kaif appeared in the very first Kingfisher calendar edition in 2003, a milestone that coincided with the start of her acting career in India. Three years later, Deepika Padukone was featured, and soon both young women found themselves at the pinnacle of Bollywood stardom. The calendar did not just showcase their looks but placed them in the limelight, catching the attention of casting directors and producers across India’s entertainment industry.
In a 2009 interview with FilmiBeat, Deepika Padukone looked back on her own Kingfisher experience, giving public credit to the calendar for the exposure and momentum it provided at the dawn of her career. She remarked,
“At the beginning of my career, I was part of the calendar, and it’s getting better every year. The girls in this calendar have done a fantastic job. It’s of international standards and one of the best calendars in the world.”
—Deepika Padukone, Actress (interview with FilmiBeat)
The Kingfisher calendar’s impact was not limited to a few stars. The annual release became synonymous with high production values and international standards, contributing to the careers of many models who graced its pages. Mallya’s and Kasbekar’s combined vision helped shape perceptions of glamour and talent within the Indian modeling and acting circuits, transforming emerging models into celebrities.
The Kingfisher Calendar as a Launchpad: Legacy and Influence
The Kingfisher Calendar quickly established itself as an annual tradition that set benchmarks in fashion and photography. With Mallya’s leadership and Kasbekar’s artistry behind the lens, the calendar was more than a promotional tool—it was a breeding ground for the next generation of entertainment icons, including those like Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone. Its influence grew to such heights that it inspired the 2015 film “Calendar Girls” by Madhur Bhandarkar, which delved into the real-life stories of models navigating newfound fame and opportunity after being featured in the calendar.
The calendar’s reach extended well beyond India, helping to shape perceptions of glamour and modernity both within the country and worldwide. Its continued popularity, and the success stories it helped generate, cement its place as an important chapter in Indian pop culture and the entertainment business.
Outlook for Aspiring Stars Influenced by Kingfisher’s Legacy
The ongoing conversation about Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher calendar decisions, and the pathbreaking journeys of Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone, keeps the spotlight firmly on how a single opportunity can alter an entertainer’s career. The calendar’s reputation for “choosing the right talent,” as Mallya asserts, highlights the importance of calculated risk-taking and nurturing emerging talents in the entertainment ecosystem.
With industry figures such as Raj Shamani exploring these behind-the-scenes stories, the discussion will likely inspire a new wave of aspirants to seek platforms that promise visibility and growth. As Bollywood and Indian fashion continue to evolve, the legacy of the Kingfisher calendar remains both a testament to strategic vision and a beacon of hope for rising stars.
