Sunjay Kapoor: Not Just Karisma Kapoor's Ex-Husband, But Also a Business Tycoon

A wave of grief swept across Bollywood and the business world when news broke that renowned industrialist and Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, had passed away at the age of 53. Who was Sunjay, how vast was his empire, and what are the stories of his personal life? Let’s take a closer look.

Sudden Death During Polo Match

The incident occurred in London while Sunjay Kapur was playing a polo match. According to reports, during the match, he was heard saying, “I’ve swallowed something.” At first, those present thought an insect had accidentally entered his mouth. In reality, it was a bee, which triggered a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), leading to a heart attack and his sudden demise.

Sunjay Kapur's Personal Life

Sunjay Kapur was married three times. His first marriage was in 1996 to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani, which ended in 2000. He then married actress Karisma Kapoor in a grand ceremony in 2003. The couple welcomed their daughter Samaira in 2005 and son Kiaan in 2011. However, their relationship soured, and they filed for divorce in 2014, which was finalized in 2016. Karisma was granted custody of the children, while Sunjay was given visitation rights. During the divorce proceedings, Karisma had accused Sunjay of domestic violence and other serious allegations, but the two eventually reached a settlement. After the divorce, Sunjay married model-actress Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son named Azarius.

Financial Settlement During Divorce

According to a report by BollywoodShaadis.com, during the divorce, Sunjay Kapur transferred a bungalow in Khar (owned by Karisma's father) to her and purchased bonds worth ₹14 crore in the name of their children. Additionally, he paid Karisma ₹10 lakh per month for their care.

A True Business Tycoon

While Sunjay Kapur was often identified as Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, his true identity was that of the Chairman and Non-Executive Director of the prominent Indian automotive company Sona Comstar, which manufactures components for electric vehicles. He was also a polo enthusiast and the owner of the Aureus polo team.
Sona Comstar was founded in 1997 by his father, Surinder Kapoor, and has now expanded globally. After Surinder's death in 2015, Sunjay took over the company and led its expansion into China, Mexico, Serbia, and the U.S. According to Bloomberg, the company’s market capitalization is around ₹31,000 crore (approx. $4 billion).

Sunjay’s family has been in the jewelry business for over 100 years. The word “Sona” (gold) in the company’s name is a tribute to that heritage. After migrating from Peshawar to Delhi during the Partition, his family opened a jewelry showroom near Odeon in Connaught Place, which still exists today.

How Wealthy Was Sunjay Kapur?

According to Forbes, Sunjay Kapur’s total net worth was estimated at $1.2 billion (₹10,300 crore), which peaked at $1.6 billion (₹13,000 crore) between 2022 and 2024. This made him wealthier than many of India’s biggest film stars. For instance, Shah Rukh Khan’s estimated net worth is ₹7,700 crore, while the entire Kapoor family’s combined wealth is around ₹2,000 crore. Karisma Kapoor’s individual net worth is reported to be around ₹120 crore.

Bollywood Reacts

News of Sunjay Kapur’s passing deeply saddened his ex-wife Karisma Kapoor and her family. Celebrities like Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, Kangana Ranaut, and Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives star Shalini Passi expressed their grief and support to the family.

Official Statement from the Kapoor Family

“Sunjay Kapur was a visionary leader, a devoted father and husband, a sports enthusiast, an inspiring guide, and a beloved friend to many. He worked with unparalleled commitment to energy, purpose, and excellence. Under his leadership, Sona Comstar emerged as a global mobility technology company driven by innovation and sustainability.”

Reports suggest his final rites will take place in Delhi. Once the paperwork in London is completed, his body will be brought to India for a final farewell attended by family and members of the film and business fraternity.

A Legacy Beyond Glamour

Sunjay Kapur’s life exemplified how one can build an international business empire while carrying forward a family legacy. He wasn’t just Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband—he was a remarkable businessman and an inspiring figure.

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