Sunjay Kapur, a close friend of Prince William and a prominent figure in the global automotive industry, has tragically passed away at the age of 53. Kapur, the chairman of international auto parts titan Sona Comstar, suffered a fatal heart attack after swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.
Kapur, who was previously married to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, was stung by the bee on his mouth. This led to an anaphylactic shock, causing his heart to stop. Medical experts warn that internal stings can be lethal, as they can trigger immediate swelling, obstruct the airways, and cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to cardiac arrest.
On the day of his untimely death, Kapur, who was born in India and educated in the UK, had expressed his condolences for the victims of the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, which claimed 241 lives. His heartfelt message on social media read, “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.”
The news of Kapur’s death has sent ripples through the British polo community and Indian high society. Suhel Seth, an author and actor, took to social media to express his grief, offering his deepest condolences to Kapur’s family and colleagues.
Sona Comstar, Kapur’s company, released a statement mourning the loss of their chairman. The statement praised Kapur as a visionary leader whose passion, insight, and dedication were instrumental in shaping the company’s identity and success.
Kapur was a familiar face in the polo circuit and was often seen in the company of the royal circle. He regularly participated in exclusive matches across the UK and was invited to play with members of the royal family, including the Prince of Wales.
In his personal life, Kapur was previously married to actress Kapoor, with whom he had two children, Samaira and Kiaan. The couple underwent a contentious divorce in 2016 after 13 years of marriage. Kapur later married former model Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son, Azarias.