Sunjay Kapur, the Indian industrialist and former husband of actress Karisma Kapoor, passed away on June 12, 2025, in England at the age of 53. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the business and film fraternities. Initial reports indicate that he suffered a fatal heart attack while playing polo at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor.
While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are still emerging, new reports have shed light on his final moments. According to The Telegraph, a witness claimed that Kapur's last words were, "I've swallowed something." This statement reportedly came just before he collapsed on the field. Some reports suggest that Kapur may have accidentally swallowed a bee during the match, potentially triggering anaphylactic shock that led to the heart attack. However, this detail remains unconfirmed.
News of Kapur's death spread rapidly, with international media outlets highlighting his connections to prominent figures. Several reports noted his friendship with Prince William, with some headlines even referring to him as "Prince William's billionaire friend." Publications such as The New York Times also emphasized his former marriage to Karisma Kapoor.
Just hours before his death, Kapur had posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing his condolences for the victims of the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. His tweet read, "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." This final social media post has since gone viral, with many users noting the poignant irony of his sudden passing so soon after expressing sympathy for others.
Sunjay Kapur was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading auto components manufacturer. He played a pivotal role in the company's global expansion, establishing operations in China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States. According to Forbes, Kapur had a net worth of $1.2 billion at the time of his death. He was the son of Rani Kapur and the late Surinder Kapur, the founder of the Sona Group.
Kapur's personal life was also a subject of public interest. He was married to actress Karisma Kapoor from 2003 to 2016, and they have two children together: daughter Samaira and son Kiaan. Following their divorce, Kapur married Priya Sachdev in 2017, and they have a son named Azarias.
The funeral arrangements for Sunjay Kapur are currently underway. His father-in-law, Ashok Sachdev, confirmed that the last rites would be performed in Delhi. However, sources indicate that legal formalities related to his US citizenship may cause delays in bringing his body to India.
Kapur's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from friends, family, and colleagues. Many have described him as a kind, generous, and fun-loving person who will be deeply missed. The Guards Polo Club, where he was a regular player, issued a statement expressing their condolences, noting his contributions to the club and the local community.