An idea for a product launch has unexpectedly become one of the most discussed workplace stories on LinkedIn and X after a young employee publicly approached controversial businessman Vijay Mallya with an unusual proposal: to lease his famous Kingfisher Villa for a startup event.What started as an off-the-cuff tweet has since developed into a case study in startup culture, daring marketing, and leadership approach.
A direct pitch that shocked the internet
Anushka Singh, a 22-year-old member of the team at creator-focused startup Topmate, chose to bypass conventional event planning and go directly for a show-stopping spectacle. In a public message, she spoke directly to Vijay Mallya, inquiring whether the team could hold the launch event for their forthcoming product, Loop, at the renowned Kingfisher Villa.
Her note was boldly ambitious: “Hi Vijay Mallya, I’m Anushka Singh from Topmate. On May 21, we’re launching Loop… We want to host a launch night designed entirely for creators… Could we use Kingfisher Villa for one night? I’m completely serious and willing to pay whatever you quote… Or please direct me to whoever owns it now.”
The proposal outlined a major celebration showcasing creators from platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, complemented by music, food, and an immersive sense of community.
Founder responds- not with discipline, but support
Although many anticipated an internal damage-control response, Topmate’s founder and IIT Bombay alumnus Dinesh Singh responded in a markedly different manner.Rather than criticizing the decision, Singh openly supported his employee’s action. He stated that he found out about the tweet at the same time as the public, only after it had already gone viral.
His reply rapidly went viral online: “One of our team members sent a public DM to Vijay Mallya today… I didn’t authorize it. I wasn’t aware. She just went ahead and did it. Honestly, this is exactly the kind of team I want to work with.He then transformed the incident into a viral challenge. He pledged that if his LinkedIn post reached 1,000 shares, he would book the villa or arrange something similarly impressive. And if it surpassed 5,000 shares, the entire growth team would receive an all-expenses-paid international trip.
“Vijay Mallya if you are reading this, your move,” he said.
Internet divided
The story rapidly sparked discussion across social platforms. Numerous users applauded the startup for fostering risk-taking and creativity, with one commenting: “This is chaos in the best possible sense. I love the energy of supporting bold individuals rather than shutting them out.”
Others noted a factual point: widespread reports indicate that, after legal and financial proceedings, the Kingfisher Villa is no longer owned by Mallya.
A critic remarked, “I assumed Gen Z was the well-informed generation… yet they’re making a pitch to someone who doesn’t even own it anymore.”
Meanwhile, much of the discussion was filled with humour, with remarks like, "They are asking Vijay Mallya for a house as casually as one would ask a neighbour for sugar."