The sudden and tragic death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur during a polo match in Windsor, England, has triggered a high-stakes succession battle within the prominent Kapur family. At the heart of the ₹30,000-crore dispute is the control over Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar), a major player in the global auto components sector.
Sunjay, the chairman of Sona Comstar and scion of the Kapur business family, reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack on June 12 during a polo match. Eyewitness reports suggest a bee flew into his mouth mid-game, potentially contributing to the cardiac arrest. The freak nature of his death has since been labelled “highly suspicious” by his mother, Rani Kapur, who questions the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What followed Sunjay’s passing has cast a shadow over his family and corporate legacy. Rani Kapur has emerged at the centre of the controversy, raising objections to key board appointments and corporate decisions taken soon after her son’s death. In a strongly worded letter to Sona Comstar’s board dated July 24, she alleged that certain individuals attempted to “wrest control” of the family’s business interests while the family was still reeling from the sudden loss.
Rani claims to be the sole beneficiary of her late husband Surinder Kapur’s estate, as per a will dated June 30, 2015. Based on this, she asserts her position as the rightful representative of the Kapur family’s shareholding in the business group. However, the company has countered this by stating that she has not been a shareholder since at least 2019.
Sona Comstar’s filings show that 71.98% of its equity is held by public investors, with the remaining 28.02% owned by Aureus Investments Private Ltd (AIPL), the corporate promoter. In May 2019, AIPL declared Sunjay Kapur as the sole beneficial owner of the RK Family Trust, a significant stakeholder in the firm. The company claims Rani Kapur has not been formally associated with its shareholding structure in recent years.
Tensions escalated ahead of the company’s Annual General Meeting on July 25. Rani Kapur attempted to halt the meeting, citing emotional duress and alleging she had been made to sign documents shortly after Sunjay’s passing, without being informed of their content. Sona Comstar has refuted these claims, stating that no such documents were obtained from her.
The focal point of the AGM was the appointment of Priya Sachdev Kapur, Sunjay’s third wife, as a Non-Executive Director. A former model and corporate professional, Priya has maintained a public silence amid the growing controversy. Her nomination came from AIPL, in line with company governance practices, according to the board.
In a significant move following Sunjay’s death, the company appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as its new Chairman on June 23. This board decision, among others, has come under scrutiny, especially as Rani Kapur alleges it was taken without proper family consultation.
Sunjay Kapur leaves behind a complex personal legacy. He was previously married to designer Nandita Mahtani and actor Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children, Samaira and Kiaan. With Priya, he shared a son, Azarias. His mother, Rani, and sisters Mandhira Kapur Smith and Superna Kapur Motwane also survive him.
Forbes estimated Sunjay’s net worth at over ₹10,000 crore at the time of his death. The unfolding legal and familial battle over his legacy may have far-reaching implications not only for the Kapur family but also for the future leadership and governance of one of India’s key auto component companies.
