Telegraph reported he suffered from anaphylactic shock after a bee potentially stung him in his mouth.
The sudden death of Sunjay Kapur, the ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, has left many in shock. The prominent industrialist and avid polo player passed away at 53 during a polo match in the UK on June 12, 2025. New reports have shed light on his final words and the circumstances surrounding his tragic demise, while his family, including Karisma Kapoor, awaits the return of his body to India for the last rites. Here’s a detailed look at the events and the legacy Sunjay leaves behind.
Sunjay Kapur’s Last Words: “I’ve Swallowed Something”
According to reports from The Telegraph and other sources, Sunjay Kapur’s final words during the polo match at Guards Polo Club in Windsor, England, were, “I’ve swallowed something.” Witnesses noted that he appeared to become unwell during the game, leading to speculation that he accidentally swallowed a bee, which may have triggered a fatal reaction. His friend and business associate Suhel Seth told ANI, “Sunjay died of a heart attack, apparently after swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.” However, Sona Comstar, the automotive components company where Sunjay served as chairman, officially cited a sudden heart attack as the cause of death, without confirming the bee sting claim.
The unusual nature of the incident—potentially involving a bee sting—has fueled discussions, though the exact cause remains unverified by some sources. Regardless, the heart attack that followed proved fatal, despite immediate medical attention.
Awaiting Sunjay’s Final Journey Home
Sunjay Kapur’s funeral is planned to take place in Delhi, but legal complexities due to his US citizenship are delaying the repatriation of his body. Ashok Sachdev, Sunjay’s father-in-law and father of his wife Priya Sachdev, confirmed to NDTV, “The postmortem is currently underway. Once the paperwork is complete, the body will be brought to India for the last rites.” The process is complicated by the fact that Sunjay, a US citizen, passed away in the UK, requiring additional legal formalities before his body can be flown to India.
Karisma Kapoor, who was married to Sunjay from 2003 to 2016, has not yet issued a public statement. However, close family members, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora, and Amrita Arora, were seen visiting Karisma’s Mumbai residence to offer support after the news broke.
Sunjay Kapur: A Life of Impact and Connections
Sunjay Kapur was more than just Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband; he was a respected industrialist and a prominent figure in international circles. As the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading automotive technology company, Sunjay played a pivotal role in expanding its global presence. His passion for polo also made him a well-known figure in elite social circles, with close ties to Britain’s Prince William and frequent appearances at high-profile polo events.
Suhel Seth, reflecting on Sunjay’s legacy, stated, “Sunjay will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but the local community around his club as he employed so many people and made so many friends—he was fun, kind, and generous.” This sentiment underscores Sunjay’s reputation as a charismatic and generous individual who left a lasting impact on both the business and polo communities.
Sunjay was married three times: first to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani (1996–2000), then to Karisma Kapoor (2003–2016), with whom he shared two children, Samaira and Kiaan, and finally to model-turned-entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son, Azarias. Despite their divorce, Sunjay and Karisma maintained a respectful co-parenting relationship, as evidenced by a rare photo shared in 2023 on their daughter Samaira’s birthday.
A Poignant Final Post
Adding to the tragedy, Sunjay’s last post on X, shared hours before his death, expressed condolences for the victims of a devastating Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. “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,” he wrote. The irony of this post, coupled with a philosophical tweet three days earlier about life’s brevity—“Your time on earth is limited”—has left many reflecting on the unpredictability of life.
A Legacy Remembered
Sunjay Kapur’s sudden passing has sent ripples through India’s business, entertainment, and polo communities. His contributions to Sona Comstar, his passion for polo, and his role as a father and friend will be remembered fondly. As his family awaits his body’s return to India, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a life marked by ambition, generosity, and deep connections.
What are your thoughts on Sunjay Kapur’s legacy and the tragic circumstances of his passing? Share your reflections in the comments below.
