The sports world is reeling after billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur’s sudden and tragic death during a polo match.
Kapur collapsed on horseback after being stung by a bee, triggering a fatal anaphylactic shock. Witnesses have now come forward revealing his final words before the devastating episode.
Billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur, a key player in India’s industrial world and a familiar face on Britain’s polo scene, shocked many when he suddenly collapsed during a match in Windsor, England, on June 12.
At just 53 years old, Kapur — who was not only chairman of the global auto parts giant Sona Comstar but also a longtime friend of Prince William — passed away unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through both business and sports communities.
Witnesses described the tragic moment as sudden and unimaginable.
“He was full of life, laughing, joking, then gone in an instant,” a source told The Mirror.
Initial reports suggested a heart attack as the cause of Sunjay Kapur’s sudden collapse, but insiders later clarified that the cardiac arrest was likely triggered by a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting, according to The Independent.
A witness told The Telegraph they heard Kapur say, “I’ve swallowed something,” just moments before he fell. This led some to believe he might have accidentally ingested an insect.
It’s reported that Kapur was stung by a bee in the mouth, which may have caused anaphylactic shock and led to the heart attack. Others said he lost consciousness after bending forward on his horse during a pause in the polo match.
A close friend shared with Telegraph Sport: “He will be deeply missed—not only by his family and friends but also by the local community around his club. He employed many people and made countless friends. He was fun, kind, and generous.”
“He never treated his grooms differently from his wealthy friends. When he hosted parties, everyone was welcome, and everyone was equal.”
Forbes estimates that Kapur, who also held U.S. citizenship, had a net worth of around $1.2 billion.
Born on October 15, 1971, Sunjay Kapur inherited a strong business legacy. In 2015, he succeeded his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, as head of Sona Comstar. Since its founding in 1987, the company expanded dramatically under Sunjay’s leadership, evolving into a global leader in mobility technology with factories located in India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States.
Kapur was a familiar face on the polo scene and often mingled with members of the royal family. He regularly played in exclusive matches across the UK and was invited to join games with high-profile royals, including the Prince of Wales, 42.
In his personal life, Kapur was once married to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor. The couple had two children, Samaira and Kiaan, before their highly publicized divorce in 2016 after 13 years together.
During their divorce, Kapoor accused him of domestic violence and claimed that he chose to play polo with Prince William even when their son was unwell.
”I also realized that he had married me only because I was a famous and successful film star, which would facilitate him to be reported in the press. It came as a surprise that he always wanted to be known in public and be famous, but since he never did any deed worth mentioning, he was not able to garner any attention,” she said.
In 2017, Kapur married former model Priya Sachdev, and the couple had a son named Azarias the next year.
