Vijay Mallya, the Indian businessman and former owner of Kingfisher Airlines, is once again in the news, but this time for a rather unexpected reason. It has resurfaced that Mallya performed the 'kanyadaan' for Bollywood actress Sameera Reddy at her wedding to Akshai Varde in 2014.

Sameera Reddy tied the knot with entrepreneur Akshai Varde on January 21, 2014, in a traditional Maharashtrian ceremony. The wedding was a private affair, held on the terrace of her apartment, with only close friends and family in attendance. What surprised many at the time was the presence and prominent role of Vijay Mallya.

In a 2014 interview, Sameera revealed that Mallya, who is related to her from her mother's side, performed the kanyadaan ritual, a traditional gesture in Hindu weddings where the bride's family entrusts her to the groom. "Only Vijay Mallya, who is related from my mother's side, gave me away to the groom. That apart, there were only friends and family," she said. She also affectionately referred to him as "uncle".

The actress has mentioned that she wanted a minimalist look for her wedding. She wore a simple South Indian sari chosen by her sister, designer Neeta Lulla. The wedding was planned in 10 days.

Sameera and Akshai had originally planned to marry in April, but they decided to prepone the wedding to January 21 because it was an auspicious day. The wedding was so private that even many of her industry friends were unaware.

Sameera and Akshai met through Akshai's motorbike company. She said it was love at first sight for her.

In February 2025, Sameera and Akshai celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. The actress posted a photo on social media with the caption, “It all started with a kiss! #11 #anniversary.”

Sameera, who debuted in Bollywood with the 2002 film "Maine Dil Tujhko Diya", has since stepped away from the film industry. She remains active on social media, where she shares family updates and advocates for body positivity. She is a mother to a son and a daughter.