On June 12, 2025 the business world and Bollywood were stunned by the passing of Sunjay Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar and the former husband of actress Karisma Kapoor. Sunjay was only 53, but he was a trailblazer, an advocate for family, and a mastermind of a global auto components empire. Everyone that knew Sunjay will attest to the fact that he wasn't just a billionaire- he was a conscious decision maker, an active father, and knew that creating legacies were important.
From Corporate Don to Billionaire Boss
Sunjay took Sona Comstar from local business to global player in the auto component industry, and subsequently the EV space. He was the mastermind, and enabled the company to expand to five countries, and went public in 2021.
Some highlights of the expansion:
- Took Sona Comstar public, and increased brand equity at a global level.
- To continue to build operations in India, the U.S., Mexico, China, and Serbia.
- Market value for Sona Comstar increased +₹40,000 crore.
- Personal net worth was $1.2 billion, according to his ~28% stake.
He was not just running a business; rather he was navigating the future of mobility.
What’s in a Name: The Story Behind ‘Sona’
What a personal touch to include in Sunjay’s empire. Sona was not merely a name he liked because it sounded fancy – it represented a family legacy. According to Forbes, Sona was a wink to his grandfather’s jewellery business of the same name.
- In Hindi, ‘Sona’ means gold, which implies value and legacy.
- The original jewellery brand very much spawned the family’s entrepreneurial gene.
- Sunjay resurrected that legacy in a modern, futuristic twist within Sona Comstar.
That combination of heritage and technology communicated the purpose of Sunjay’s existence – rooted in heritage yet always looking forward.
Not Just a CEO – Also a Committed Dad
Although his professional achievements were significant, his heart when it came to family was far bigger. Sunjay had two children, Samaira and Kiaan, with Karisma Kapoor, and two more, Azarias and Safira, with his wife, Priya Sachdev.
- His hire of an parenting coach indicated he took his dad duties incredibly seriously.
- He was known for taking work calls in boardrooms while simultaneously reading bedtime stories.
- His Instagram posts frequently highlighted his commitment to raising emotionally intelligent, independent children.
Sunjay - who had the world on his shoulders - balanced a pretty ideal commitment to parenting, which is rare and admirable.
A Shocking Farewell While Playing His Favorite Sport
Sunjay's sudden death was shocking for all. He was in England, playing polo – a sport he truly enjoyed – when he suffered a cardiac arrest due to a bee sting.
Family and friends were blindsided – he was for all intents and purposes, fit and healthy. Only days ago he had a reflective post on social media, that now rings even more true.
"Your time on Earth is limited. Leave the 'what-ifs' to philosophers and focus on 'why-nots' … ”
These words are making their rounds across the internet in tribute of his attitude and legacy.
What Will Happen to Sona Comstar?
Even in death, the engine of Sona Comstar has moves, powered by the roadmap that Sunjay left behind.
- The company released a statement calling him a "visionary leader."
- Teams called to work diligently to ensure there is a smooth leadership transition.
- The long-term roadmap for electric mobility will still provide direction for the company.
Sunjay is gone, however, his leadership will continue to resonate in every product, every design, and every conversation in the boardroom.
