London – Tragedy struck on June 12, 2025, when Indian industrialist and former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Sunjay (also spelled Sanjay) Kapur, passed away at age 53. According to multiple reports, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while playing polo at the Guards Polo Club in Gländ, United Kingdom .
Witnesses say he collapsed on the field, possibly after inadvertently swallowing a bee mid-game—a complication believed to have precipitated the fatal heart attack . Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
A Life Lived Fully
-
Academic & Business prowess: The MIT‑ and Harvard‑educated Kapur chaired Sona Comstar, a leading automotive-technology firm, and held the role of President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) of India.
-
Shared Family: Karisma and Sunjay married in a highly publicized 2003 wedding and welcomed two children—daughter Samaira (b. 2005) and son Kiaan (b. 2010). The couple divorced in 2016 but remained involved in co-parenting.
-
New Chapter: After the divorce, Sunjay married entrepreneur and former model Priya Sachdev, with whom he also had a child .
A Poignant Farewell: His Final Words
Hours before his death, Sunjay posted a heartfelt condolence on X about the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that killed 241 passengers, writing:
“Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected…”
Just three days earlier, he had shared a reflective post:
“Your time on Earth is limited. Leave the ‘what ifs’ to the philosophers and instead dive head‑first into the ‘why nots.’”
These posts went viral after his passing, taking on a solemn resonance given the tragedy’s timing .
Bollywood’s Outpouring of Condolences
Despite their divorce, Karisma and Sunjay remained connected through their children, and news of his sudden death sent shockwaves through the film fraternity.
-
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan, Karisma’s sister and brother-in-law, were seen arriving at her Mumbai home after midnight to offer comfort .
-
Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, close friends of Karisma, also rushed to be by her side x
-
Suhel Seth, a longtime business associate, confirmed the news on X, commenting:
“Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur… a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family…” x
-
Sona Comstar, the company he led, released a statement praising him as a visionary leader whose contributions shaped their legacy x.
Legacy & Reflections
Sunjay Kapur is mourned not only for his business acumen but also for the bonds he maintained post-divorce. His educational background and passion for polo marked him as a distinctive figure who bridged India’s industrial and social circles .
His unexpected passing at 53 is a stark reminder of life’s fra.gility—echoing his own words about time’s brevity.
Our thoughts go out to his children (Samaira and Kiaan), his wife Priya, ex-wife Karisma, his corporate family, and all those whom he inspired.
Who Was Sunjay Kapur?
Sunjay Kapur was a prominent figure in Indian industry:
-
Chairman of Sona Comstar, a top-tier automotive technology company with a global footprint.
-
President of ACMA (Automotive Component Manufacturers Association).
-
An alumnus of MIT and Harvard, he was considered a sharp business strategist and a refined gentleman.
-
A passionate polo player, his love for the sport was well known in elite social circles.
Relationship with Karisma Kapoor
Sunjay married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple were considered one of the most high-profile pairs of their time. However, their marriage faced numerous ups and downs, including allegations of incompatibility and legal battles, before ending in a bitter divorce in 2016.
They shared two children—Samaira (19) and Kiaan (15). Despite the separation, both parents remained involved in their upbringing.
Sunjay later remarried Priya Sachdev, a fashion entrepreneur and former model, with whom he also had a child.
Karisma Kapoor’s Reaction
While Karisma has remained away from public statements, sources close to the family say she was deeply shocked by the news. She reportedly reached out to Sunjay’s wife Priya Sachdev and is coordinating with her regarding arrangements for their children.
Karisma, who has always prioritized her children’s well-being, is said to be ensuring they receive emotional support through this difficult time.
Bollywood Rallies Around Karisma
As soon as news broke:
-
Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan were spotted arriving at Karisma’s residence in Mumbai late at night.
-
Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and Manish Malhotra, all close friends of Karisma, also visited her home to console her.
-
Neetu Kapoor, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, and Karan Johar were among the many who expressed condolences on social media and through private messages.
A family friend stated:
“Despite their history, Karisma and Sunjay were cordial for the sake of the children. His passing has left her shaken.”
Corporate Tributes
Sona Comstar released an official statement mourning the loss:
“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our Chairman, Mr. Sunjay Kapur. His visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of innovation have shaped our company’s journey. He will be remembered for his humility, intelligence, and kindness.”
Several industrial leaders, including Anand Mahindra, N. Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons), and Pawan Munjal (Hero Group) also sent their condolences to the Kapur family.
Last Social Media Posts: A Bittersweet Irony
Sunjay Kapur’s final post on X (formerly Twitter), just hours before his death, was a condolence message about the Air India crash in Ahmedabad:
“Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected…”
Earlier that week, he posted a cryptic yet inspirational message:
“Your time on Earth is limited. Leave the ‘what ifs’ to the philosophers and instead dive head‑first into the ‘why nots.’”
In hindsight, both posts have taken on an unexpectedly poignant meaning for those who followed him.
Funeral & Memorial Plans
Sunjay Kapur’s body is expected to be flown back to India within the next few days. According to sources, the Kapoor family is in contact with the Kapur and Sachdev families to coordinate a private ceremony, likely to be held in Delhi or Mumbai.
Legacy Lives On
Sunjay Kapur’s life was one of contrasts—luxury and intellect, sport and enterprise, glamour and grit. While his personal life was often tabloid fodder, those who knew him best remember a man of quiet confidence, refined taste, and deep love for his children.
His passing is a reminder of how unpredictable life can be—even for those who appear to have it all.
