Sunjay J. Kapur, the prominent chairman of Sona Comstar and former President of the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association (ACMA), tragically passed away at the age of 53. The industrialist suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while playing polo in the United Kingdom, in a sudden incident reportedly triggered by an insect sting or swallowing during the match.
In a poignant parallel to his demise, just hours prior, Kapur had expressed condolences on X for the victims of the June 12 Air India flight crash in Ahmedabad (India), “Terrible news of the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad. My thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected. May they find strength in this difficult hour.”
Kapur, who steered Sona Comstar into a global auto components powerhouse, was not only an industry frontrunner in India’s electric mobility transformation but also a figure whose personal life often intersected with the limelight of Indian celebrity culture. Born into the legacy of the Sona Group, founded by his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, Sunjay was educated at The Doon School, the University of Buckingham, and Harvard Business School, and became a global voice in automotive innovation and policy advocacy.
Condolences from Industry and Society
Prominent figures from across sectors have expressed their grief and admiration for Kapur’s life and work. Suhel Seth, noted columnist and brand consultant, who was also Sanjay’s friend has posted on social media, “Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur: he passed away earlier today in England: a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar. Om Shanti.”
Social media timelines filled with messages of shock. Business leaders, political advisors, and sports enthusiasts echoed a common sentiment — Kapur was a rare blend of strategic intellect, sporting discipline, and emotional depth.
Just days before his death, on June 9, Kapur had posted an eerily philosophical message on X (formerly Twitter), “Your time on Earth is limited. Leave the ‘what ifs’ to the philosophers and instead dive headfirst into the ‘why nots.’”
The tweet has since gone viral, as followers and friends revisit his words in the wake of the tragedy.
Industrial legacy rooted in global vision
As Chairman of Sona Comstar, Sunjay Kapur oversaw the transformation of the company from a domestic auto parts manufacturer into a global technology player in drivetrain solutions, especially for electric vehicles. He played a decisive role in expanding operations across India, the US, China, and Europe, making Sona Comstar a key supplier for global OEMs.
He also served as the President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) for the 2021–22 session, having been appointed on August 27, 2021, to a two‑year term through August 2023
He was on key leadership councils of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), influencing India’s automotive and industrial policy at the highest levels. Kapur was also an advocate for local manufacturing competitiveness, sustainable mobility solutions, and responsible business growth.
A life that bridged industry and glamour
Sunjay Kapur gained national media attention in 2003 when he married Indian film actor Karisma Kapoor, daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita, and a central figure in the iconic Kapoor film dynasty. The couple had two children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor, but parted ways in 2016 after a high-profile and publicly covered divorce battle. Despite their separation, the two remained co-parents and maintained a dignified silence in public.
Following the divorce, Kapur married model-turned-entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017. They had a son, Azarius, in 2018, and Kapur also embraced the role of stepfather to Priya’s daughter from a previous marriage.
The news of his sudden passing sent shockwaves through both industrial and celebrity circles. The Kapoor family, including Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Malaika Arora, were seen gathering at Karisma’s Mumbai residence soon after the news broke. The family has not issued a public statement, but sources close to them shared that Karisma was “deeply shaken” by the incident.
A patron of polo
Outside boardrooms, Kapur was an avid polo player and promoter of the sport. He believed polo should not be confined to elites and actively worked to increase its visibility and accessibility in India. His death on the polo field adds a tragic irony to his lifelong passion.
He also held leadership roles in educational governance, including serving as a Board Member and Chair of the Sports Committee at The Doon School, reflecting his belief in nurturing talent and discipline among young Indians.
Sunjay Kapur’s passing leaves behind a complex but inspiring legacy, one that spanned boardrooms, sports fields, and public discourse. His impact on India’s electric vehicle shift, his advocacy for deeper global partnerships, and his personal philosophy of balance and legacy will remain with those who worked with him and knew him closely.
He is survived by his wife Priya, his children Samaira, Kiaan, and Azarius, and a business legacy that continues to shape the future of mobility.
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