The sudden death of automotive billionaire Sunjay Kapur has left the business world stunned. Here’s the untold story of how he built a fortune that dwarfed Bollywood royalty.
The polo fields of England fell silent on June 12, 2025, when Sunjay Kapur collapsed from a sudden heart attack during what should have been just another afternoon match. At 53, the chairman of Sona Comstar had just reached the pinnacle of his business empire—a $1.2 billion fortune that made him richer than Shah Rukh Khan and the entire Kapoor family combined.
While the world knew him as Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, the reality was far more complex. Sunjay Kapur had quietly built one of India’s most successful automotive component businesses, transforming a family enterprise into a global powerhouse that supplied some of the world’s biggest car manufacturers.
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The Staggering Numbers Behind the Empire
Let’s start with the figures that truly tell Sunjay Kapur’s story. According to Forbes, his net worth at the time of death was $1.2 billion (₹10,300 crore), making him the 2,703rd wealthiest individual globally.
To put this wealth in perspective:
- 100 times richer than Karisma Kapoor (estimated ₹100 crore)
- Wealthier than Shah Rukh Khan (₹7,700 crore net worth)
- 5 times richer than the Kapoor family (approximately ₹2,000 crore)
His publicly listed company, Sona Comstar, was valued at ₹40,000 crore, representing one of the most successful automotive component businesses in India.
The Sona Comstar Success Story
From Family Business to Global Giant
Sunjay Kapur served as the non-executive chairman of Sona Comstar (Sona BLW Precision Forgings Limited), an Indian-origin global automotive systems and components manufacturer headquartered in Gurugram.
The company’s success wasn’t accidental. Under Sunjay’s leadership, Sona Comstar became a preferred supplier to major automotive manufacturers, including:
- Maruti Suzuki – India’s largest car manufacturer
- Multiple global OEMs across different continents
- Electric vehicle manufacturers – positioning for the future
The IPO That Changed Everything
Sona Comstar trades on the Bombay Stock Exchange, and its public listing was a watershed moment that crystallized Sunjay’s wealth. The company’s focus on precision engineering and future-ready automotive components made it a favorite among institutional investors.
The Personal Cost of Success
The Karisma Kapoor Chapter
Sunjay’s marriage to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor from 2003 to 2016 was one of the most talked-about unions in Indian entertainment history. However, their relationship ended acrimoniously, with Karisma accusing Sunjay of physical abuse in 2014.
The divorce settlement reflected Sunjay’s immense wealth:
- Karisma received his father’s house in Khar, Mumbai
- Bonds worth ₹14 crores were allocated for their children
- Reports suggest the total alimony was around ₹70 crore
Despite the massive settlement, it represented less than 1% of Sunjay’s total net worth—a testament to the scale of his wealth.
Finding Love Again
Sunjay found happiness again with Priya Sachdev, his second wife, who survived him along with their children. Priya, who holds a degree from the London School of Economics, had previously worked in the entertainment industry and brought her own accomplished background to their relationship.
The Tragic End of a Polo Champion
A Life Cut Short
Sunjay Kapur died on June 12, 2025, after suffering a heart attack while playing polo in England. Polo was more than just a hobby for Sunjay—he was passionate about the sport and had participated in various sporting activities since his school and college days.
The irony wasn’t lost on those who knew him. Here was a man who had built his fortune on precision engineering and mechanical perfection, only to have his own heart—the most complex machine of all—fail him at just 53.
The Business Legacy That Lives On
What Made Sunjay Different
In an industry dominated by traditional family businesses, Sunjay Kapur represented a new breed of Indian industrialist. His approach combined:
Global Vision: Understanding that Indian automotive components could compete worldwide Technology Focus: Investing in precision engineering and advanced manufacturing Future Planning: Positioning for electric vehicles and next-generation automotive tech Professional Management: Moving beyond traditional family business structures
The Succession Challenge
With Sunjay’s sudden passing, Sona Comstar now faces questions about leadership succession. The company’s board and institutional investors will need to navigate this transition carefully to preserve the value Sunjay built over decades.
Lessons from a Billionaire’s Journey
The Price of Ambition
Sunjay Kapur’s story illuminates both the rewards and costs of building massive wealth:
The Rewards:
- Financial freedom beyond imagination
- Global recognition and influence
- Ability to impact thousands of jobs and livelihoods
- Legacy that extends beyond personal achievement
The Costs:
- Intense pressure and stress
- Complex personal relationships
- Constant public scrutiny
- Limited time for simple pleasures like polo
What His Success Teaches Us
- Industry Expertise Matters: Sunjay’s deep understanding of automotive components gave him competitive advantages
- Timing Is Everything: His focus on precision engineering aligned perfectly with India’s automotive boom
- Global Thinking: Looking beyond domestic markets opened up exponential growth opportunities
- Professional Management: Scaling beyond family business limitations was crucial for massive growth
The Wealth That Outlived Its Creator
Impact on Indian Business
Sunjay Kapur’s ₹10,300 crore net worth represents more than personal wealth—it demonstrates the potential of Indian manufacturing and engineering excellence on the global stage. His success story inspired countless entrepreneurs in the automotive and engineering sectors.
The Family’s Future
Sunjay leaves behind his wife Priya Sachdev, their son together, and two children from his marriage to Karisma Kapoor. The distribution of his vast wealth will likely involve complex estate planning, given his multiple families and business interests.
Beyond the Headlines
While media coverage focuses on his connection to Bollywood royalty, Sunjay Kapur’s real story is about vision, execution, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in manufacturing. He proved that Indian entrepreneurs could build world-class businesses that compete globally.
His death at 53, while tragic, came at a time when his business empire was at its peak. As the non-executive chairman of Sona Comstar, he had built systems and leadership that could continue his vision.
The Final Word
Sunjay Kapur‘s $1.2 billion net worth tells only part of his story. The complete narrative involves a man who transformed precision engineering into extraordinary wealth, navigated complex personal relationships, and created a business legacy that will outlive him.
His sudden death while playing polo—a sport he loved—serves as a reminder that no amount of wealth can guarantee tomorrow. But the empire he built, the jobs he created, and the standards he set in Indian manufacturing will continue inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs.