Industrialist Sunjay Kapur Passes Away at 53 After Suffering Heart Attack During Polo Match in UK

New Delhi / London, June 13: Sunjay Kapur, noted industrialist and Chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away at the age of 53 on June 12, 2025, after suffering a sudden heart attack while playing polo in England. The tragic incident occurred during a match, cutting short the life of a business leader widely respected in both Indian and international industry circles.

Kapur, who was previously married to Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoor, was an influential figure in the automotive components industry and the broader Indian business community. His death was confirmed by Sona Comstar, which issued a statement expressing “profound sorrow” at the loss of its Chairman and Non-Executive Director.“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Sunjay J Kapur… following a sudden heart attack in England, UK,” the company stated.

Kapur’s sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the corporate world. Tributes poured in from across sectors. Prominent commentator and author Suhel Seth tweeted:“Deeply saddened at the passing of @sunjaykapur… a terrible loss and deepest condolences to his family and to his colleagues @sonacomstar …Om Shanti.”

His alma mater, The Doon School, also mourned his death, calling him a “distinguished Old Boy,” and a “passionate entrepreneur and global business leader.” Kapur was a member of the school’s Board of Governors and chaired its Sports and IT Committees.

Educated in India, the UK, and the US, Sunjay Kapur was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and vision. He served as the Chairman of CII Northern Region, Co-Chairman of the Manufacturing Council of CII, and was a former President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA). He was also the first Indian Global Chairman of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), showcasing his international leadership credentials.

In one of his last official engagements, Kapur had laid out a strategic vision for the growth of Indian industry in North India, spanning Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and three Union territories—Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.“A key imperative is to fortify the connection between MSMEs, startups, and academia, creating a synergy that amplifies the region’s inherent strengths and unlocks new opportunities,” he had said recently.

Despite his towering presence in boardrooms, Kapur was deeply passionate about sports—particularly polo—and was actively involved in making the sport more accessible. A fitness enthusiast, he embodied discipline and a zest for life.

Incidentally, hours before his passing, Kapur had expressed his grief on social media over the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, in which 241 people lost their lives.

Sunjay Kapur married Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple had two children before parting ways, with their divorce finalized in 2016 after a protracted legal process.

He is survived by his children and family, who are yet to release a personal statement.

The Indian business community and sports circles alike are in mourning, remembering Sunjay Kapur as a visionary leader, dynamic personality, and a kind-hearted individual whose loss will be felt for years to come.