Force India's Vijay Mallya faces hostile reception at Indian GP over airline row Kingfisher's fleet, controlled by Mallya - the 56 year-old self-styled "king of good times" - has been grounded since the start of the month when a staff protest turned violent. Two weeks ago an arrest warrant was issued against him by a Hyderabad court, since withdrawn, for bounced cheques totalling $2 million, while the airline's licence was suspended last Saturday. The Hindustan Times newspaper reported this week that other unpaid staff intended to confront Mallya at the Buddh International circuit outside Delhi before the race. "We have planned to stage a dharna [sit-in protest] when Mr Vijay Mallya comes at the grand prix," a Kingfisher engineer said. A protest at the sporting event will highlight our plight to the entire world. An air hostess added: "What is the option left before us but to protest? All of us are in deep financial crisis, but [Mallya] is unperturbed. [He is] mocking at our misery with his lifestyle. Mallya, who inherited the United Breweries conglomerate from his father, is one of India's most prominent and colourful entrepreneurs and politicians. In addition to being co-owner of Silverstone-based Force India, he is the chairman of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) and sits on the FIA World Motor Sport Council. He claimed yesterday that he was looking forward to the second Indian Grand Prix. "I remember how proud I felt last year to see our cars racing in India in the colours of the Indian flag," Mallya said in a statement which made no mention of Kingfisher's ongoing tribulations. It was a moment I had dreamed about and a great sporting achievement for our country. To score points was the icing on the cake. This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points - at the very least - so that we can give our fans something to smile about. The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It's a big lead, but not impossible to catch them before the end of the year.