Sunjay Kapur, ex-husband of actress Karisma Kapoor and chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away following a heart attack during a polo match; his $1.2 billion fortune made him one of India’s richest businessmen—surpassing Bollywood royalty.
Sunjay Kapur, the industrialist ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, died of a heart attack during a polo match in England on June 12, 2025, at the age of 53. Best known as the chairman of auto parts giant Sona Comstar, Kapur was not just a prominent figure in India’s business world but also a billionaire whose net worth exceeded that of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and even the entire extended Kapoor film family, according to multiple reports.
A Fortune Larger Than Bollywood’s Biggest Names
Sunjay Kapur’s personal wealth was estimated at $1.2 billion (approx. ₹10,300 crore), as per Forbes, which included him in its World’s Billionaire List in 2022. In comparison:
- Shah Rukh Khan, considered the richest actor in India, has an estimated net worth of $880 million (₹7,700 crore).
- The combined Kapoor family net worth stands at around ₹2,000 crore, less than one-fifth of Kapur’s.
- Karisma Kapoor, his former wife, reportedly holds a net worth of ₹120 crore.
Legacy at Sona Comstar: From Family Business to Global Powerhouse
Kapur took over Sona Comstar in 2015, after the death of his father, Surinder Kapur, who had founded the company in 1995. Originally rooted in India, the firm expanded rapidly under Sunjay’s leadership to become a global leader in auto components, particularly EV (Electric Vehicle) parts.
The name “Sona,” meaning gold in Hindi, was inspired by the family’s earlier jewellery business, established by Sunjay’s grandfather.
With a business degree from the University of Buckingham, Kapur was instrumental in the company’s international growth. Sona Comstar, based in Gurugram, now operates 12 factories across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the U.S., employing over 5,000 people.
In the fiscal year ending March 2025, the company reported revenues of ₹35.5 billion ($412 million)—a 12% increase from the previous year. Notably, 36% of the revenue came from the rapidly growing electric vehicle component segment.
Industry Tributes and Legacy
Kapur’s passing was confirmed by both Sona Comstar and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). In a joint statement, they wrote:
“A visionary leader, Kapur played a pivotal role in shaping Sona Comstar into a global mobility technology company built on innovation, sustainability, and purpose.”
“Kapur, a respected leader and visionary, was a passionate advocate for the automotive components industry. Under his stewardship, ACMA witnessed significant progress in global competitiveness and EV readiness.”
Personal Life and Marriages
Sunjay Kapur’s high-profile marriage to Karisma Kapoor ended in divorce in 2016, after which he married Priya Sachdev, a former model and entrepreneur. Despite his glamorous connections, Kapur largely stayed out of the media spotlight, preferring to focus on his business empire and equestrian pursuits—including polo, the sport during which he tragically passed away.
Sunjay Kapur leaves behind not just an extraordinary business legacy, but also a place in both India’s industrial landscape and its celebrity circles. His unexpected death has triggered tributes across the business and entertainment worlds, marking the end of a life that bridged wealth, influence, and legacy.