Sunjay Kapur Dies at 53 After Heart Attack During Polo Match, Bee Sting Suspected

Sunjay Kapur, chairman of auto components giant Sona Comstar and the former husband of actress Karisma Kapoor, passed away on June 12 while playing a polo match in England. The 53-year-old industrialist reportedly suffered a heart attack, with early reports suggesting it may have been triggered by an allergic reaction after accidentally swallowing a bee during the match.

Incident Overview

• Kapur collapsed on the polo field in the midst of a match.

• Witnesses reported he may have swallowed a bee, which is suspected to have stung him internally, possibly triggering a fatal allergic reaction.

• While anaphylactic shock is suspected, his company confirmed that the official cause of death was cardiac arrest.

Medical Context

Medical experts suggest that a bee sting inside the throat or airway can cause a rapid and severe allergic response. In rare cases, this can lead to anaphylaxis, a condition that, without immediate medical intervention, may escalate into cardiac arrest.

About Sunjay Kapur

• Born in Michigan, USA, in 1971.

• Educated at Doon School, University of Buckingham, and later completed executive programs at MIT and Harvard Business School.

• Kapur led Sona Comstar to global prominence in the electric vehicle and automotive components sector.

• In 2025, he was appointed Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Northern Region.

Personal Life

• Kapur was married three times:

  • First to designer Nandita Mahtani.

  • Then to actress Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children — Samaira and Kiaan.

  • Later to entrepreneur Priya Sachdev, with whom he had a third child, Azarias.

• He was widely recognized as one of India’s wealthiest businessmen, with a net worth exceeding $1.2 billion.

Public Reaction

• Business consultant Suhel Seth and several others from the industry and social circles expressed their shock and grief.

• Sona Comstar paid tribute, calling him a “visionary leader” who played a pivotal role in positioning the company on the global stage.

• Bollywood personalities including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora, and Amrita Arora were seen visiting Karisma Kapoor’s home in Mumbai to offer their condolences.

Legacy

Sunjay Kapur leaves behind a strong legacy in the Indian auto industry, having steered his company through transformation and global expansion. His sudden death has brought attention to the hidden dangers associated with allergic reactions during sports and outdoor events.