The unexpected death of Indian industrialist Sunjay Kapur at the age of 53 has sent ripples across both the corporate and entertainment sectors. Known as the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading name in automotive technology, Sunjay Kapur’s sudden passing due to a fatal allergic reaction while playing polo in England has stunned many.According to latest reports, “The auto tycoon, who was playing polo in England, accidentally swallowed a bee, triggering a severe allergic reaction that led to a fatal heart attack.”
His funeral was held in New Delhi a week later and was followed by two prayer meetings attended by family and close friends, including his ex-wife Karisma Kapoor and their children, Samaira and Kiaan. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan were also seen offering support at the emotional gathering. “Sunjay’s passing not only shook the corporate world but also led to an emotional reunion of his blended family,” the report noted.
Following his death, leadership changes at Sona Comstar were inevitable. The company promptly announced the appointment of Jeffrey Mark Overly as Chairman while Vivek Vikram Singh continues in his role as CEO.
Notably, Sunjay’s wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, has been inducted as an Additional Non-Executive Director (NED) on the board. This role enables her to provide strategic guidance without being involved in day-to-day operations.
Sona Comstar praised Priya’s qualifications and experience in an official statement, calling her “a multifaceted entrepreneur and investor” with an extensive background in industries like investment banking, retail, and automotive. A graduate of University College London with a double major in Mathematics and Business Management, Priya is also Director at Aureus Investment Private Limited. “Priya began her career at Credit Suisse First Boston in London and later ventured into automotive retail, insurance, and fashion in India,” the company added.
Sunjay Kapur’s passing also brings into focus the family’s wealth and succession planning. Under his leadership since 2015, Sona Comstar expanded globally and reached a market cap of Rs 31,000 crore (nearly $4 billion). Forbes had estimated Sunjay’s personal net worth at $1.2 billion (Rs 10,300 crore), peaking at $1.6 billion between 2022 and 2024.
According to reports, Priya Sachdev will manage his estate, although Sunjay had “reportedly made provisions for all his children.” His children with Karisma — Samaira and Kiaan — have been gifted bonds worth Rs 14 crore each and are said to receive monthly incomes of Rs 10 lakh, although these figures remain unofficial.
Sunjay Kapur’s personal life was often in the limelight. He was married to designer Nandita Mahtani in 1996 before divorcing in 2000. He later married actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003, a marriage that ended in 2016. In 2017, he tied the knot with model-actor Priya Sachdev, who once appeared in Uday Chopra’s Neel ‘n’ Nikki.
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