When it comes to business magnate Vijay J Mallya, don’t expect a spartan affair. The king of good times launched the seventh edition of the Kingfisher calendar in Delhi recently. Mallya characteristically floored the swish set in attendance with not just the calendar images of scantily clad women, but also with a lavish buffet, free flowing champagne and a slice of scathing repartee, courtesy emcee Cyrus Broacha. “I think the calendar actually stands for good times. In times of recession, there is something to put a smile on your face,” said actor Arjun Rampal, who had dropped in to launch the calendar.

Shot at Six Sense Hideaway Resort at Koi Samui and Yao Noi in Thailand, by Atul Kasbekar, the calendar features models like Nargis Fakhri, Tamara Moss, Moni Kangana Dutta, Katya Melnikova, Mimi Blix and Sunisa Jongsawat. Kasbekar who admitted he has the best job in the world, said, “The weather was very rough, initially. It was windy and raining hard the first five days but we managed to get the best shots.” So, is he game for shooting on more extreme locales? “I would love to shoot in an ice hotel in Norway,” quipped Kasbekar. But shooting male models, he admitted was not top on his list. “No. I have no intention of shooting a band of guys on a beach in trunks,” grinned the Mumbai-based photographer.