I had the rare chance to spot Dr Vijay Mallya in an unguarded moment lounging with two-three people at Baga beach sometime around October end.

There is an absolutely run down sea facing place next to Brittos at Bagabeach. I was around with my friend Vicky who is playing Rajat Kapoor's side kick in Sudhir Mishra's Khoya Khoya Chand. We were enjoying our romance-less candle light dinner and debating at the irony of being at such a beautiful place without that 'special loved one' and being caught in each other's company at a restaurant nearby when we heard some soulful music from that dimly lit place. It just added to the whole ambience and blended well with the sound of the waves.
 
We did not turn to see who was playing it. In Goa hearing these wonderful sounds from unexpected corners is normal.

Just when we were walking back from the beach to leave we saw a familiar face. Standing beside him were two body guards with stein gun et all. Ah! that's the great Vijay Mallya... I told Vicky!

Vicky: Forget it Priyanka you are too tired and d....
Me: No! It's him.
Vicky: Let me see. Oh yes, looks like him. What is he doing here-at this dark place? Is he hiding or what?
Me:You know his famous Kingfisher Villa is not very far from here. I don't understand what he is doing at a place like this.
Vicky: His entire clan of beauties are also not around.
Me: Perhaps he is also pondering over the irony of life...Let me go and say hi to him.
Vicky:Are you mad. His bodyguards wont let you near him.
Me: Arrey, see that old couple they just went to greet him. Please come na...
Vicky:No I am not coming.
Me:**** you.

I went up to Dr Mallya -who was seated at a less than comfortable table, with beer and two friends for company - completely prepared to be thrown away by his body guards. Surprise! Surprise! They did not stop me. So I shook hands with this guy, said hello and had the nerve to ask him what he is doing in a place like this.

He smiled and just said, "Sometimes you need peace."

Whoaa!!!

The man famous for all his histronics, parties, glitz and glamour... eh... sure knows better ways to chill.

Happy Birthday Mr Mallya.