Sunjay Kapur: The Billion-Dollar Legacy of a Visionary Industrialist and Devoted Family Man
A Life of Triumph and Tragedy
On June 12, 2025, the world was stunned by the sudden passing of Sunjay Kapur, a titan of Indian industry and the ex-husband of Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor. At just 53, Sunjay suffered a fatal heart attack during a polo match in London, reportedly triggered by an accidental bee sting. As the Chairman of Sona Comstar, a global leader in automotive components, Sunjay left behind a staggering net worth of $1.2 billion (Rs 10,300 crore), earning him the rank of the 2703rd wealthiest individual in the world, according to Forbes. His publicly listed company, valued at Rs 40,000 crore just months before his death, was a powerhouse in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, supplying parts to seven of the world’s top ten automakers. But beyond his business acumen, Sunjay’s legacy as a father, husband, and advocate for a harmonious blended family resonates deeply. This blog, written from a user’s perspective, dives into the life, achievements, and personal values of Sunjay Kapur, a man whose story is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Business Leader
Born on October 15, 1971, in Michigan and raised in Delhi, Sunjay Kapur was the son of Dr. Surinder Kapur, the founder of Sona Comstar, and Rani Kapur. His early education at The Doon School in Dehradun and The Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai laid the foundation for his global outlook. He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Corporate Strategy and Human Resources from the University of Buckingham, UK, and further honed his leadership skills through executive programs at MIT and Harvard Business School.
Sunjay joined Sona Comstar, founded by his father in 1997, in 2003 and took over as Managing Director after Surinder’s passing in 2015. Under his leadership, the company expanded its footprint to nine factories across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the US, becoming a key player in the EV revolution. Sona Comstar, named after his grandfather’s jewelry business, supplied critical components for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and passenger vehicles, earning a reputation for innovation and excellence. With a valuation of Rs 40,000 crore, the company solidified Sunjay’s status as a visionary industrialist. His contributions extended beyond the boardroom, as he served as the former president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), a trustee of The Doon School, and Chairperson of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Northern Region, while also engaging with the Young Business Leaders Forum and a think tank on manufacturing competitiveness in India.
A High-Profile Personal Life
Sunjay Kapur’s personal life often made headlines, marked by three marriages and a commitment to his blended family. His first marriage to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani ended after two years. In 2003, he married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in a lavish Sikh wedding at her ancestral Krishna Raj Bungalow in Mumbai. The couple welcomed daughter Samaira in 2005 and son Kiaan in 2011, but their marriage faced challenges, culminating in a highly publicized divorce in 2016. Despite a contentious legal battle involving allegations of domestic violence and infidelity, Sunjay and Karisma prioritized co-parenting, maintaining a respectful relationship for their children. Sunjay provided Rs 14 crore in bonds for Samaira and Kiaan, along with ownership of a mansion in Khar as part of the divorce settlement.
In 2017, Sunjay found love again with Priya Sachdev, a former model, actress, and entrepreneur. Their romance began in 2012, reportedly on a flight to New York, and blossomed into a marriage marked by mutual support. The couple welcomed their son, Azarias, in 2018, whose name means “God has helped” in Hebrew. Sunjay also embraced his role as a stepfather to Priya’s daughter, Safira Chatwal, from her previous marriage to hotelier Vikram Chatwal. Priya, a Delhi-born socialite and founder of the luxury boutique chain Kitsch and online store Rock N Shop, shared glimpses of their family life on social media, from vacations to birthday celebrations, showcasing their close-knit bond.
A Devoted Family Man
Sunjay’s commitment to his blended family was a cornerstone of his life. In a heartfelt 2022 interview with Indian Silicon Valley by Jivraj Singh Sachar, he spoke candidly about the challenges and joys of co-parenting. “It’s not always easy when you have a blended family, but we have been very fortunate to have a system where we all work together, where we all love each other, and I want that to continue even after my wife and I, our lifetime,” he shared. To navigate the complexities of their family dynamic, Sunjay and Priya sought guidance from a parenting coach, a testament to their dedication to being better parents. Their efforts were evident in moments like their son Kiaan’s 13th birthday in 2023, where Sunjay, Priya, Karisma, and their children came together, and Samaira’s 18th birthday, where Priya posted a touching tribute: “A father holds his daughter’s hand for a short while, but he holds her heart forever. Happy 18th birthday to my first love, Samaira.” These gestures underscored Sunjay’s belief in trust, respect, and unity as the foundation of family.
Priya’s Instagram posts painted a picture of a loving, modern family. From celebrating Azarias’s first Diwali with his siblings to cheering Safira’s success in a dressage competition, the couple fostered a nurturing environment. Sunjay’s ability to maintain strong ties with Samaira and Kiaan while building a new family with Priya and their children earned admiration from those around them. As one X user, @nkk_123, noted, “Media referring to him as Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband was currently married to Priya Sachdev, which media won’t mention,” highlighting the importance of recognizing his life with Priya and their family.
A Passion for Polo and Philanthropy
Beyond business and family, Sunjay was an avid polo player, leading Sona Comstar’s Aureus Polo team to victories like the Prince of Wales Trophy. His love for the sport was evident in his active participation in international competitions, but it was during a match at the Guards Polo Club in London that tragedy struck. Reports suggest that Sunjay accidentally swallowed a bee, leading to throat irritation and a fatal heart attack. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be revived, leaving the business and sporting communities in shock.
Sunjay’s contributions extended to philanthropy and leadership. As a trustee of The Doon School, where he also chaired the Sports and IT Committees, he supported education and youth development. His work with the CII and the Young Business Leaders Forum focused on enhancing India’s manufacturing competitiveness, reflecting his vision for a stronger industrial landscape. His final X post, expressing sorrow over an Air India plane crash, revealed his empathy and awareness of global events, making his sudden death all the more poignant.
A Legacy That Endures
Sunjay Kapur’s net worth of $1.2 billion and Sona Comstar’s Rs 40,000 crore valuation are testaments to his business prowess, but his true legacy lies in his ability to balance success with humanity. He transformed Sona Comstar into a global leader, contributing to the EV revolution while maintaining a low-key personal life. His dedication to his children—Samaira, Kiaan, Azarias, and stepdaughter Safira—reflected his belief in family as the ultimate legacy. As he said in his Indian Silicon Valley interview, “A harmonious home environment, emblematic of a Modern Cosmopolitan Family, would be my true legacy.”
The outpouring of tributes on X captures the public’s sentiment. @Modi26052014 wrote, “Please stop calling him ex-husband of Karisma Kapoor, Sunjay is owner of ICE, EV, Drone making company Sona Comstar. Great visionary businessman. Om Shanti.” Another user, @DealsDhamaka, emphasized, “Despite these remarkable achievements, people often choose to highlight him as Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, overlooking the legacy he’s built.” These sentiments underscore Sunjay’s impact as a leader and a family man.
Conclusion: A Life Well-Lived
Sunjay Kapur’s untimely death at 53 leaves a void in the worlds of business, sports, and family. His journey from a young boy at The Doon School to a billionaire industrialist ranked 2703rd on Forbes’ list is a story of ambition, resilience, and heart. His leadership at Sona Comstar revolutionized the automotive industry, while his commitment to his blended family set an example of love and unity. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate a man who lived passionately, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on those who knew him. Sunjay Kapur’s legacy will continue through his family, his company, and the values he championed. Rest in peace, Sunjay—your story will inspire generations to come.
