Sunjay Kapur, a prominent Indian industrialist, passionate polo player, and the ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, tragically passed away on June 12, 2025, in the United Kingdom. The 53-year-old reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack after accidentally swallowing a bee during a polo match, a rare and sudden incident that shocked both the sporting and business communities.
Early Life and Education
Sunjay was born on October 15, 1971, to industrialist Dr. Surinder Kapur and Rani Kapur. He studied at The Doon School in Dehradun and The Cathedral & John Connon School in Mumbai. Later, he earned a BBA in Corporate Strategy & HR Management from the University of Buckingham in the UK. He also attended executive programs at prestigious institutions like MIT and Harvard Business School.
Business Career and Industrial Legacy
Sunjay Kapur was the Chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading global supplier of automotive components. After joining the family business in 2003, he played a pivotal role in transforming it into a multinational enterprise. Under his leadership, the company expanded to markets in the US, China, Mexico, and Europe, serving global automotive and electric vehicle manufacturers.
Passion for Polo
Beyond the boardroom, Kapur was an avid polo player and the owner-captain of the Aureus Polo Team. He regularly played in India and internationally, particularly at Guards Polo Club in the UK. It was during one such match in the UK that tragedy struck. According to reports, Sunjay accidentally swallowed a bee mid-game, which may have triggered an allergic reaction and led to a sudden cardiac arrest. He left the field feeling unwell and collapsed shortly after. Despite medical attention, he could not be revived.
Personal Life and Marriages
Sunjay’s personal life often made headlines:
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First Marriage: He was briefly married to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani from 2001 to 2003.
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Second Marriage: He married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple had two children daughter Samaira (born 2005) and son Kiaan (born 2010). They divorced in 2016 after a turbulent relationship marked by public legal disputes and allegations from both sides.
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Third Marriage: In 2017, Sunjay married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev. They welcomed a son, Azarius, in 2018. Priya also has a daughter, Safira, from her previous marriage.
Last Words and Tributes
Just days before his death, Sunjay reportedly shared a reflective post online saying, “Your time on earth is limited.” The message, now seen as chillingly prophetic, has resonated deeply with friends and family. Following his death, tributes poured in from across the world of sports, business, and Bollywood. His long-time associate, Suhel Seth, described him as “a fine gentleman, loving father, and someone who lived life on his terms.”
Legacy
Sunjay Kapur leaves behind a complex but impactful legacy both as a bold businessman who led one of India’s most successful auto-component firms into the global arena, and as a dedicated athlete with a deep love for polo. His sudden death, caused by an extremely rare and tragic chain of events, serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability. He is survived by his wife, three children, and countless admirers who will remember him for his grit, vision, and passion.
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