Sunjay Kapur: Karisma Kapoor’s Ex-Husband
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Sunjay Kapur, a prominent Indian industrialist, polo enthusiast, and the ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, left an indelible mark on both the business and social spheres of India. His sudden and tragic death on June 12, 2025, at the age of 53, shocked his family, friends, and colleagues. Known for his leadership at Sona Comstar, his passion for polo, and his complex personal life, Sunjay’s journey was one of ambition, controversy, and dedication to his children. This comprehensive blog delves into his life, his marriage and divorce with Karisma Kapoor, his financial provisions for his children, and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Early Life and Education
Sunjay Kapur was born into a family of industrialists, with his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, being a renowned figure in the automotive industry. He pursued his early education at the prestigious Doon School in Dehradun, where he later served as a member of the Board of Governors and chaired the Sports and IT Committees. After completing his schooling, Sunjay attended the John Connon School in Mumbai and went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Corporate Strategy and Human Resources from a university in London. His academic background and global exposure laid the foundation for his successful career in business.
Professional Achievements
Sunjay Kapur was the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Sona Comstar, a leading automotive technology company specializing in precision-forged gears and driveline components. Under his leadership, Sona Comstar expanded its global footprint, with manufacturing and R&D facilities in India, the USA, Serbia, Mexico, and China. The company became a key supplier in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, reflecting Sunjay’s vision for innovation and sustainability.
Beyond Sona Comstar, Sunjay held influential roles in India’s industrial landscape. He served as President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and co-chaired the Manufacturing Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). His contributions to the automotive sector earned him respect as a visionary leader. Sona Comstar’s official statement following his death described him as a “compassionate person whose guidance shaped the company’s success.”
Personal Life: Marriages and Relationships
Sunjay Kapur’s personal life was often in the spotlight due to his high-profile marriages. He was married three times, each relationship drawing significant media attention.
First Marriage: Nandita Mahtani
Sunjay’s first marriage was to Mumbai-based fashion designer Nandita Mahtani in 1996. The marriage lasted until 2000, when the couple parted ways amicably.
Second Marriage: Karisma Kapoor
In 2003, Sunjay married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in a lavish Sikh wedding at her ancestral home, Krishna Raj Bungalow, in Mumbai. The marriage was arranged by Karisma’s mother, Babita Shivdasani, though her father, Randhir Kapoor, reportedly opposed it, later calling Sunjay a “third-class man.” The couple welcomed two children: daughter Samaira in 2005 and son Kiaan in 2010.
Initially, Sunjay and Karisma appeared to be a perfect match, but cracks soon appeared in their relationship. By 2014, they filed for divorce by mutual consent, but the proceedings turned acrimonious. Karisma alleged financial neglect, physical abuse, and even claimed Sunjay attempted to “auction her off” during their honeymoon. Sunjay countered by accusing Karisma of marrying him for his wealth and property. The bitter legal battle involved disputes over child custody and asset division, drawing significant media scrutiny.
In 2016, the divorce was finalized, with Karisma gaining custody of Samaira and Kiaan, while Sunjay was granted visitation rights. As part of the settlement, Karisma received ownership of a house in Khar owned by Sunjay’s father, and Sunjay purchased bonds worth Rs 14 crore for their children, generating a monthly interest of Rs 10 lakh to cover their expenses. Despite the contentious divorce, reports suggest that Sunjay and Karisma eventually maintained a cordial relationship, co-parenting their children and even attending family events together, such as Samaira’s 18th birthday in 2023.
Third Marriage: Priya Sachdev
In 2017, Sunjay married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in an intimate ceremony in Delhi. Priya, who had a daughter, Safira Chatwal, from a previous marriage, and Sunjay welcomed a son, Azarius Kapur, in 2018. Sunjay co-parented Safira and was actively involved in his children’s lives, as evidenced by his heartfelt social media posts.
Financial Provisions for His Children
One of Sunjay Kapur’s most significant acts as a father was securing the financial future of his children with Karisma Kapoor. During the divorce proceedings in 2016, he purchased bonds worth Rs 14 crore for Samaira and Kiaan. These bonds were designed to generate a monthly interest of Rs 10 lakh, ensuring that the children’s expenses were covered. This financial gesture was widely reported and highlighted Sunjay’s commitment to his children’s well-being, despite the challenges of his divorce.
Additionally, Sunjay remained an active presence in his children’s lives. His emotional post on Samaira’s 18th birthday, shared on X, read: “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. Welcome to adulthood. Remember to be responsible and live your life to the fullest. You are beautiful inside out. And we are all so proud of you.” The post, accompanied by pictures of Sunjay, Priya, Azarius, Karisma, Samaira, and Kiaan, reflected a united family moment despite past conflicts.
Passion for Polo
Sunjay Kapur was an avid polo player and a prominent figure in the sport. He was the patron of the polo team Aureus and frequently participated in matches, showcasing his love for horses and the game. His passion for polo was well-documented, and he was playing a match at the Guards Polo Club in England when tragedy struck.
The Tragic Death of Sunjay Kapur
On June 12, 2025, Sunjay Kapur suffered a fatal heart attack while playing polo at the Guards Polo Club in England. He was 53 years old. According to sources, Sunjay felt suffocated during the match, reportedly after accidentally swallowing a bee, which caused irritation in his throat. He requested to stop the game, left the field, and subsequently collapsed due to a cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be revived.
The news of his death sent shockwaves through social, business, and entertainment circles. Sona Comstar issued a statement expressing “profound sorrow” at the “untimely passing” of their chairman, highlighting his pivotal role in the company’s success. Actor and author Suhel Seth confirmed the news on X, writing, “Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar …Om Shanti.”
Adding a poignant note to the tragedy, Sunjay’s final X post, shared just hours before his death, expressed condolences for the victims of an Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad: “Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour. 🙏 #planecrash.” The irony of this post was noted by many, with one X user commenting, “Little did Sunjay know when he was posting the above message… that his own time has come.”
Reactions and Condolences
Sunjay’s sudden death prompted an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and colleagues. Karisma Kapoor, who has not yet released an official statement, was supported by her sister Kareena Kapoor, brother-in-law Saif Ali Khan, and close friends Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora, who rushed to her residence in Mumbai on the night of June 12. The Doon School paid tribute to their alumnus, describing him as a “distinguished Old Boy” and a dedicated board member.
Social media was flooded with condolences, with X users expressing shock at the tragic coincidence of Sunjay’s final post about the plane crash. One user wrote, “मृत्यु कैसे अजीब रूप में आ सकती है… मतलब इस व्यक्ति ने अहमदाबाद-लंदन वाली फ्लाइट के हादसे पर दुख व्यक्त किया और पोस्ट लिखी। मगर उसी पोस्ट पर लोग उन्हें ही श्रद्धांजलि देने लगे।”
Legacy and Impact
Sunjay Kapur’s legacy is multifaceted. As a businessman, he transformed Sona Comstar into a global leader in automotive technology. As a polo enthusiast, he brought passion and dedication to the sport. As a father, he ensured the financial security and emotional well-being of his children, even amidst personal challenges. His life, marked by ambition, controversy, and resilience, serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the unpredictability of life.
His tragic death at 53 underscores the fragility of life and the importance of leaving a lasting impact. Sunjay’s contributions to industry, sport, and family will be remembered by those who knew him and the many lives he touched.
The story of Sunjay Kapur is one of triumph, turmoil, and tragedy. From his rise as a leading industrialist to his high-profile marriage and divorce with Karisma Kapoor, and his untimely death during a polo match in England, Sunjay’s life was a tapestry of remarkable achievements and personal challenges. His decision to purchase Rs 14 crore bonds for his children reflects his commitment to their future, while his final moments on the polo field highlight his passion for the sport he loved. As we reflect on his life and legacy, we are reminded to cherish every moment and strive to leave a positive mark on the world.
Rest in peace, Sunjay Kapur. Your legacy will live on through your children, your work, and the memories you created.
Sources:
- Hindustan Times
- India Today
- Times of India
- NDTV
- Bollywood Shaadis
- Patrika News
- Sports NDTV
- The Indian Express
- India.com
- News18
- The Hindu
- Posts on X
