On June 12, 2024, Sunjay Kapur, chairman of Indian auto components conglomerate Sona Comstar, and a recognized polo enthusiast, tragically passed away during a polo match held in Windsor, England. Widely known for his leadership in business and ties to the global polo community—including reported connections with the British royal family—his sudden passing has prompted tributes from both the corporate and sporting worlds.
While early media reports from The Telegraph, The Mirror, and India Today mention a possible allergic reaction to an insect sting, official medical confirmation had not been released publicly at the time of reporting. Nevertheless, his death has been widely mourned by colleagues, friends, and family, especially given his longstanding presence in international polo and industry leadership.
Who Was Sunjay Kapur?
Sunjay Kapur, 53, was an influential Indian businessman who served as the chairman of Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd. (Sona Comstar), a global leader in automotive technology and electric vehicle components. The company was founded in 1987 by his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, and has since grown into one of India’s major automotive suppliers with a significant global presence.
According to Sona Comstar’s official statement, Sunjay Kapur was praised for his “visionary leadership” and “dedication to innovation and sustainability,” which helped guide the company through rapid technological advancements, particularly in the electric mobility space.
He was also the current President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), a role in which he contributed significantly to policy and business development in India’s automotive sector.
Involvement in Polo and Links to the Royal Family
Beyond his corporate profile, Kapur was an avid polo player, having participated in numerous matches across India and the UK. Polo, a sport traditionally associated with royalty and aristocracy, connected Kapur with several prominent figures, including members of the British royal family.
Multiple Indian and British media outlets have reported that Kapur played in matches involving Prince William, the Prince of Wales. Prince William is known for his active participation in charity polo events and has played matches in Windsor for causes supported by The Royal Foundation and other philanthropic efforts.
While Prince William’s exact involvement in the June 12 match has not been confirmed by Kensington Palace or Buckingham Palace, reports from The Telegraph and People Magazine noted Kapur’s past participation in events where Prince William was present.
What Reportedly Happened at the Polo Match
According to early coverage by The Mirror, witnesses stated that Kapur collapsed during the match after appearing to ingest an insect, possibly a bee, which may have triggered an acute allergic reaction. Eyewitnesses cited by media outlets stated he said he had “swallowed something” moments before the incident.
Medical staff responded promptly, but attempts to resuscitate Kapur were unsuccessful. Though the cause of death is widely attributed to anaphylactic shock, medical authorities had not publicly confirmed this at the time of publication. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and may be triggered by substances such as insect stings, foods, or medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Tributes from Sona Comstar and Business Leaders
Members of India’s automotive and manufacturing industries also expressed their condolences. The ACMA acknowledged his leadership in promoting innovation and sustainability across the sector. According to Business Standard, Kapur’s influence helped position Indian auto parts suppliers on the global map, particularly in the electric vehicle transition.
Family and Personal Life
Sunjay Kapur was previously married to Karisma Kapoor, a popular Bollywood actress, from 2003 until their divorce in 2016. Together, they had two children: daughter Samaira and son Kiaan. In 2017, Kapur married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev, with whom he had a son, Azarias.
Kapur’s personal life had often attracted public interest, especially in India, given his previous marriage to a high-profile film personality and his connections to the entertainment and business worlds.
According to India Today and Hindustan Times, Kapur was well-regarded for maintaining strong relationships with both family and colleagues. Friends described him as generous, inclusive, and down-to-earth, often emphasizing his equal treatment of everyone—whether business partners or team support staff.
A Moment of Public Compassion Before His Passing
Just hours before his unexpected death, Kapur posted a message of condolence on social media expressing sympathy for victims of an Air India crash in Ahmedabad. His message, shared on X (formerly Twitter), reflected his concern for humanitarian issues and his responsiveness to current events.
The post has since been reshared widely and remembered as a poignant final message from the late businessman.
Clarifying Media Reports
Several media outlets also linked Kapur’s death to other personal family tragedies, including an earlier violent incident involving Saif Ali Khan, a prominent Bollywood actor and former relative by marriage. However, it’s important to note that this event, reported by BBC News, was separate and unrelated to Kapur’s passing.
While some headlines may conflate the two incidents for sensational purposes, reputable coverage, such as from BBC and NDTV, kept these topics clearly distinct to preserve journalistic integrity.
Legacy of a Business Visionary and Sportsman
Sunjay Kapur leaves behind a powerful legacy across two fields—automotive innovation and competitive polo. His contribution to India’s industrial advancement, his leadership at Sona Comstar, and his engagement in international sports communities reflect a life lived at the intersection of enterprise and passion.
As condolences continue to pour in from global business leaders and the international polo community, Kapur is remembered not only for his business acumen but for his kindness, charisma, and commitment to inclusion.
His passing is a profound loss to both the corporate and sporting worlds.
Verified and Reputable Sources:
- Sona Comstar Official Website
- BBC News – Saif Ali Khan incident
- The Telegraph – Sunjay Kapur obituary
- People Magazine – Sunjay Kapur death report
- Mayo Clinic – Anaphylaxis
- Hindustan Times – Sunjay Kapur Polo Profile
- India Today – Tributes and Family Details
