The sudden death of Sanjay Kapoor while playing polo in London on June 12, 2025, sent shockwaves through the business and entertainment worlds.
New Delhi: A wave of grief swept through India's industrial and Bollywood circles upon news from London, Britain, of the sudden demise of billionaire businessman Sanjay Kapoor on June 12, 2025. The 58-year-old Kapoor was playing a polo match when he suffered a sudden anaphylactic shock, reportedly caused by swallowing a bee, resulting in his immediate death.
Sanjay Kapoor was not only a successful industrialist but also a prominent social figure. He was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a globally renowned auto component manufacturing company. His death has raised several questions regarding his estimated ₹10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion USD) fortune and the leadership of his company.
Building and Expanding a Business Empire
Sanjay Kapoor took the reins of Sona Comstar in 2015 after the passing of his father, Surinder Kapoor. Under his leadership, the company expanded rapidly into international markets, establishing a presence in countries such as the USA, China, Serbia, and Mexico. Kapoor is credited with giving Sona Comstar a world-class reputation in India's auto component industry.
The company's current market cap is estimated at around ₹31,000 crore (approximately $3.7 billion USD), and Kapoor's personal wealth is estimated at approximately ₹10,300 crore (approximately $1.2 billion USD).
Three Marriages, Four Children, and the Question of Legacy
Sanjay Kapoor's personal life was also frequently discussed. He married three times. His first marriage to fashion designer Nandita Mehtani was short-lived. His second marriage in 2003 was to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children, Samaira and Kiaan. This marriage also ended in divorce in 2016.
He subsequently married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev, with whom he had a son, Azaarias. He is also reported to have a son from his first marriage to Nandita Mehtani, who has remained out of the public eye.
How Will the Estate Be Divided?
The biggest question following Sanjay Kapoor's death concerns the inheritance of his estate. Legally, if he did not leave a will, his assets will be divided among his legal heirs, including his wife Priya Sachdev and his four children.
Sources indicate that Kapoor established a trust for his children Samaira and Kiaan from his marriage to Karisma Kapoor, ensuring their financial security with approximately ₹14 crore (approximately $1.7 million USD) in bonds and a monthly income of ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000 USD) each.
Priya Sachdev, his current wife, is likely to receive a significant portion of the estate. However, the final distribution will depend on the will and other documents presented to the court.
The Company's Future and Management
Sona Comstar released an official statement on Sanjay Kapoor's death, stating that the company will continue its normal operations and will work according to his vision. However, it remains unclear who will now lead the company.
Given the young age of Kapoor's children, the burden of leadership is likely to fall on the board of directors for the time being. Industry analysts believe that successfully navigating this transition would be a true testament to Sanjay Kapoor's visionary leadership.
Grief in Bollywood and the Business World
The news of Sanjay Kapoor's sudden death has saddened the film industry. While Karisma Kapoor and her family have not publicly commented, sources close to the Kapoor family report that they are deeply shocked. Celebrities like Karan Johar, Akshay Kumar, Ratan Tata, and Anand Mahindra expressed their condolences on social media, describing him as an exceptional leader and humble person.
Will the Matter Reach the Courts?
Given the substantial size of Sanjay Kapoor's estate and the complexities of his family situation, there is a possibility of legal disputes regarding the inheritance. If any party believes that the terms of the will have been violated or that the distribution of assets is unfair, they may approach the court.
Legal experts believe that in such a situation, the timely authentication of documents and clear instructions from Sanjay Kapoor will be crucial.
