Billionaire friend of Prince William dies after collapsing during polo match

Edinburgh Live

19 hours ago

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
A close friend of Prince William and avid polo player Sunjay Kapur has tragically died following a mid-match incident where he reportedly swallowed a bee, leading to a suspected fatal heart attack.
The 53-year-old Indian billionaire and chairman of automotive giant Sona Comstar, collapsed while playing polo in England yesterday. Shortly before his death, the British-educated tycoon expressed his condolences over the distressing Air India crash in Ahmedabad.
In a poignant final message, Sunjay said: "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."
Prior to his passing, Sunjay was known for his passion for polo and his high-profile romances. His marriage to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor ended on a sour note, as she later alleged neglect during their child's illness for a polo match.
Reflecting on her relationship with Sunjay, Karisma said: "(Sunjay) decided to carry on, leaving me behind to take care of our sick four-month-old son, just to play a polo match with Prince William. I also realised 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."
Sunjay was fatally stung by a bee while playing polo, which is thought to have caused anaphylactic shock leading to cardiac arrest, reports the Mirror.
Although the official cause of death remains under investigation, initial reports indicate that the sting might have prompted a severe allergic response, causing his abrupt collapse.
Sunjay's death has sent shockwaves through elite British polo circles and India's high society. As a familiar figure in Royal polo events, Sunjay was reportedly on good terms with royalty and the high-ranking members of the polo community, participating in exclusive summer matches in the UK.
An insider shared the poignant reflection: "He was full of life, laughing, joking, then gone in an instant," when recalling Sunjay's final moments.
Coming from a family of prestigious business lineage, Sunjay steered Sona Comstar into a notable player in the global automotive tech industry, extending its reach across India, the USA, Serbia, Mexico, and China.
During his time at the business, he propelled the company to prominence as a supplier to the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Not limited to his role as Sona Comstar's chairman, Sunjay also occupied significant positions within the automotive industry, including President of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Co-Chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry's Manufacturing Council.
Sunjay was a pupil of The Doon School, often dubbed India's Eton. He further honed his business acumen at the University of Buckingham and later at Harvard Business School through an executive programme.
(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)
Despite carving a niche in the business realm, Sunjay was familiar with the glitz of celebrity life, having been married to actress Karisma Kapoor and sharing two children with her, as well as tying the knot with Priya Sachdev, an ex-model turned fashion mogul.
As word of his untimely passing spread, the corporate sector began to mourn. Sona Comstar expressed their condolences, stating: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our Chairman, Mr Sunjay Kapur. He was a visionary leader whose passion, insight, and dedication shaped the identity and success of our company."
His peers in the industry have lauded his zeal for innovation and manufacturing prowess. A former colleague remembered him as "a titan of Indian industry, taken far too soon."
A friend of the Kapur family shared: "Sunjay was in excellent health. No one could believe what had happened. It's a shocking reminder of how fragile life can be."