Rs 10,300 crore: After Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband Sunjay Kapur’s death, who will inherit his massive wealth?

The unexpected passing of industrialist Sunjay Kapur has shaken both the business and entertainment industries, leaving a leadership vacuum at Sona Comstar, the Rs 31,000 crore auto components giant he headed. The 53-year-old billionaire reportedly died of a heart attack while playing polo in London. Some reports suggest the fatal cardiac arrest may have been triggered by accidentally swallowing a bee during the game.

Sunjay Kapur’s death also brings renewed focus on the future of his massive personal wealth and the succession strategy for his business empire. The chairman of Sona Comstar was widely credited with expanding the company globally after taking over in 2015, following the death of his father and Sona Group founder Dr. Surinder Kapur.

Shares Tumble, Company Issues Statement

Following the announcement of his death, shares of Sona Comstar dropped by 7% in early Friday trading, reflecting investor uncertainty. In an effort to stabilise sentiments, the company released a statement saying, “His vision, values, and dedication to excellence has left a lasting legacy for the company. We assure our customers, business partners, employees, and shareholders that our operations and prospects remain unchanged as we honour his legacy.”


While there is no official word on who will lead Sona Comstar next, reports suggest that the board will continue to manage the company, and his sisters might step into active roles.

Wealth Division and Provisions for His Children

At the time of his passing, Sunjay Kapur’s personal net worth stood at approximately Rs 10,300 crore ($1.2 billion), according to Forbes. His fortune had peaked at Rs 13,000 crore ($1.6 billion) in both 2022 and 2024.

As per legal succession norms, the management of his estate passes to his wife Priya Sachdev. Nonetheless, Kapur had already secured financial arrangements for his children with Karisma Kapoor—Samaira (20) and Kiaan (14). Reports confirm that bonds worth Rs 14 crore were set aside for them, and both are expected to receive a monthly income of Rs 10 lakh each.

Kapur also had a six-year-old son, Azarias, with Priya Sachdev, and had adopted her daughter from a previous marriage, Safira Chatwal. None of the children are currently involved in Sona Comstar's business operations.

A Tumultuous Personal Life

Sunjay Kapur’s personal life often attracted headlines. His first marriage was to designer Nandita Mahtani in 1996, which ended in 2000. His second, to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003, ended in a highly publicised divorce in 2016. The relationship had turned contentious, with allegations of domestic abuse and legal disputes over child support.

During the divorce proceedings, Karisma claimed she faced pressure and mistreatment, including an incident where Sunjay allegedly directed his mother to slap her during pregnancy. These allegations were widely reported and fueled extensive media attention.

Despite the acrimonious split, Kapur ensured financial support for their children. As part of the settlement, Karisma received ₹14 crore in bonds for them and a residence in Khar.

Family Reactions and Public Tributes

Karisma Kapoor has not released a statement since his passing, though several family members and celebrities including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Amrita Arora were seen visiting her home to offer support. Sunjay Kapur’s death was confirmed publicly by Suhel Seth, who called it “a terrible loss” in a post on social media.

Earlier, Karisma’s father Randhir Kapoor had openly criticised Sunjay, calling him a "third-class man" and stating that the Kapoor family “never married for money.”

As the company and family navigate this transition, the future of Sona Comstar and the final execution of Sunjay Kapur’s estate plans remain under close public and investor scrutiny.