Sunjay Kapur, an accomplished entrepreneur and a prominent figure in both international business and the polo sports community, passed away unexpectedly during a polo match in Windsor, England, on June 12, 2024. The 53-year-old Indian-American businessman was chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading global automotive technology company. His sudden death has drawn heartfelt tributes from across industries, including business leaders, polo enthusiasts, and public figures.
Kapur’s association with the British royal family, particularly Prince William, has been well-documented over the years due to his frequent participation in the UK polo circuit. His contributions to the sport and his leadership in the mobility technology sector left a lasting legacy.
Confirmed Details About the Incident
According to The Independent and The Telegraph, the tragic incident occurred while Kapur was actively participating in a polo match. Witnesses and reports suggest that Kapur may have experienced a severe allergic reaction, suspected to have been caused by a bee sting. Emergency responders were present, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The suspected cause of death, as initially reported by The Independent, was anaphylactic shock, which can occur after exposure to allergens such as insect stings. While some reports mentioned cardiac arrest, these accounts clarified that the cardiac episode was likely a secondary response to the allergic reaction. As of June 2024, no official post-mortem report had been publicly released by Kapur’s family or British medical authorities.
Due to Kapur’s high-profile status, the event drew significant media attention, but it is important to emphasize that any claim about his final words or specific medical details should be treated with caution unless confirmed by verified medical or official sources.
A Global Business Leader
Sunjay Kapur was born on October 15, 1971, and grew up in a family with a strong industrial background. His father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, was the founder of Sona Group, an Indian conglomerate known for its contributions to the automotive sector.
Succeeding his father, Sunjay Kapur took over as Chairman of Sona Comstar in 2015. Under his leadership, the company evolved into a globally competitive manufacturer of automotive components, particularly those used in electric vehicles and mobility solutions. According to Forbes India, Sona Comstar operates production facilities in India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States, supplying parts to several leading global automakers.
In 2021, Sona Comstar went public on Indian stock exchanges, further cementing Kapur’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable automotive technology. The company’s innovations in gear systems, electric vehicle components, and driveline solutions contributed significantly to India’s growing role in global automotive supply chains.
A Passion for Polo and Royal Connections
Beyond the boardroom, Sunjay Kapur was deeply passionate about polo, a sport he played competitively and socially for many years. He was a familiar figure in elite polo circles and had participated in charity matches and exclusive events in both India and the United Kingdom.
His proximity to members of the British royal family, including Prince William, gained attention due to their shared love of the sport. While private friendships between public figures are rarely detailed officially, credible publications such as The Telegraph and India Today have noted that Kapur and Prince William shared the polo field on multiple occasions.
His presence at international tournaments and polo clubs highlighted his commitment to the sport not only as a player but also as a promoter of sportsmanship and camaraderie among global participants.
Family Life and Public Legacy
Kapur’s personal life had been under public scrutiny at various points due to his high-profile relationships. He was previously married to Indian actress Karisma Kapoor, a leading figure in Bollywood. The couple married in 2003 and had two children, Samaira and Kiaan, before formally separating in 2016.
Their divorce, which was finalized by the Indian judiciary, was widely covered by media outlets such as NDTV and The Times of India, with court proceedings and filings available through public records. Following their divorce, both parties have since moved on privately. It is important to note that personal accusations made during legal disputes are not verified unless confirmed through court findings.
In 2017, Kapur remarried. His wife, Priya Sachdev, is a former model and entrepreneur. The couple welcomed a son, Azarias, in 2018, as reported by India Today.
Despite his public profile, Kapur was known for his efforts to maintain discretion in his private life following his remarriage. Friends and colleagues often described him as affable, generous, and a bridge between the business and sporting worlds.
Tributes from Business and Sports Communities
After news of his passing broke, tributes flowed from colleagues, sports peers, and public figures. Prominent business networks, including Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), of which Kapur had been a member, expressed condolences and praised his contributions to India’s innovation and manufacturing ecosystems.
Polo clubs and sports organizations in India and the UK, including the Guards Polo Club where he had previously played, issued statements honoring his legacy. According to statements published in The Telegraph Sport and The Hindu BusinessLine, Kapur was remembered as someone who brought people together from different walks of life — both on and off the field.
Many highlighted his egalitarian approach, citing how he treated players, staff, and guests with equal warmth, a quality that elevated his popularity in both sporting and corporate settings.
Legacy in Business and Polo
Sunjay Kapur’s life offers a powerful example of leadership, ambition, and connection across international boundaries. His ability to navigate the demands of a global business while remaining grounded in personal passions such as polo made him a unique figure in both worlds.
His contributions to sustainable mobility through Sona Comstar remain a critical part of India’s role in global automotive innovation. Furthermore, his role in bringing attention to the sport of polo — particularly in a modern context — will be remembered by sports enthusiasts for years to come.
Conclusion
The untimely death of Sunjay Kapur has left a void in the global business and polo communities. As a respected industrialist, sportsman, and father, his legacy will continue through the innovations he spearheaded, the relationships he nurtured, and the lives he touched.
With ongoing tributes and reflections on his life from verified sources such as Forbes India, The Telegraph, India Today, and The Independent, Sunjay Kapur is remembered not for the manner of his passing, but for the magnitude of his achievements and the humanity he extended to those around him.
Reputable Sources Referenced:
- The Independent (UK)
- The Telegraph
- Forbes India
- India Today
- NDTV
- BusinessLine (The Hindu)
- Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
