In a somber turn of events, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor was spotted making her first public appearance since the sudden demise of her ex-husband, industrialist Sunjay Kapur, who passed away on June 12, 2025, in London. On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Karisma, accompanied by her children, Samaira and Kiaan, departed from a private airport in Mumbai to attend Sunjay’s last rites in New Delhi. The news has garnered significant attention, given the high-profile nature of their past marriage and the tragic circumstances surrounding Sunjay’s death. This article delves into the details of this event, exploring the context of Sunjay Kapur’s passing, Karisma’s response, and the broader implications, while providing a comprehensive overview of the couple’s history and the public’s reaction.
Sunjay Kapur’s Untimely Death
Sunjay Kapur, a prominent Indian businessman and the chairman of Sona Comstar, a leading automotive component manufacturing company, tragically passed away at the age of 53 during a polo match in Windsor, England. According to multiple reports, Kapur suffered a fatal heart attack, with some sources suggesting it was triggered by a severe allergic reaction after accidentally swallowing a bee during the game. The incident occurred while he was participating in the prestigious Queen’s Cup polo tournament, a sport in which he was deeply involved as the owner of the Aureus polo team. Despite immediate medical attention, Kapur could not be saved, sending shockwaves through India’s corporate and social circles.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kapur’s last words were, “I’ve swallowed something,” leading to initial speculation that he may have choked or suffered from a bee sting in his throat, which caused dangerous swelling. However, a top cardiologist clarified that the likely cause of death was a massive heart attack, potentially exacerbated by the allergic reaction. The final post-mortem report is still awaited to confirm the exact cause.
Kapur’s death has been described as a “freak accident” by several media outlets, with his polo team, Sujan Indian Tigers, sharing a poignant last photo of him taken moments before the incident. The team announced that the finals of the tournament would be dedicated to Kapur, with a minute’s silence observed in his memory. His passing has left a void in both the business world and the polo community, where he was a well-respected figure, known for his close association with Britain’s royal family, including Prince William.
Karisma Kapoor’s Journey to Delhi
On June 19, 2025, Karisma Kapoor was seen at a private airport in Mumbai, accompanied by her children, Samaira (20) and Kiaan (14), as they boarded a flight to Delhi to attend Sunjay’s funeral. The last rites were scheduled to take place at 5:00 PM at the Lodhi Road Cremation Ground in New Delhi, following delays due to legal formalities related to Kapur’s US citizenship.
The actress, known for her roles in iconic Bollywood films like Dil To Pagal Hai and Raja Hindustani, maintained a low profile during this public appearance, reflecting the gravity of the moment. Her children, who were also signatories to a family-issued statement regarding a prayer meet for their father, joined her to pay their final respects. The family’s statement, signed by Sunjay’s mother, Rani Surinder Kapur, his wife, Priya Sachdev, and their children, Safira and Azarias, alongside Samaira and Kiaan, announced a special prayer meet to be held on June 22 at the Taj Palace Hotel in Delhi from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Karisma’s decision to attend the funeral, despite her tumultuous history with Sunjay, underscores her commitment to supporting her children during this difficult time. The presence of Samaira and Kiaan at the funeral highlights their desire to honor their father’s memory, despite the complexities of their parents’ past relationship.
The Marriage and Divorce of Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur
Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur’s marriage was a high-profile union that captivated Bollywood and society circles when they tied the knot on September 29, 2003, in a private Sikh ceremony in Mumbai. Karisma, a leading actress of the 1990s and early 2000s, was at the peak of her career, while Sunjay was a rising industrialist, heir to the Sona Group, founded by his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur. The couple welcomed two children, Samaira in 2005 and Kiaan in 2010, but their marriage was marred by personal and public challenges.
By 2016, after 13 years of marriage, Karisma and Sunjay parted ways in a highly publicized and bitter divorce. Reports at the time cited allegations of abuse, infidelity, and financial disputes as contributing factors. Karisma received full custody of their children, along with a house in Khar, Mumbai, and a financial settlement that included Sunjay investing ₹14 crore in bonds for their children, generating approximately ₹10 lakh in monthly interest.
The divorce was particularly contentious, with Karisma’s father, veteran actor Randhir Kapoor, publicly expressing his disapproval of Sunjay, stating, “I never wanted Karisma marrying him. He never cared for his wife.” Randhir’s comments highlighted the strained dynamics between the families, further amplified by Sunjay’s alleged relationships with other women during the marriage. Despite the acrimonious split, Karisma and Sunjay remained connected through their children, and their co-parenting arrangement appeared to focus on the well-being of Samaira and Kiaan.
Sunjay Kapur’s Life and Legacy
Sunjay Kapur was born on October 15, 1971, and educated at prestigious institutions, including the University of Buckingham. He took over the reins of Sona Comstar in 2015 after the passing of his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, who founded the company in 1987. Under Sunjay’s leadership, Sona Comstar grew into a global powerhouse with nine factories across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States, employing over 4,600 people. Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.2 billion, making him one of India’s prominent billionaires.
Beyond his business achievements, Sunjay was a passionate polo player and a well-known figure in international polo circles. His ownership of the Aureus polo team and his participation in high-profile tournaments, such as the Queen’s Cup, earned him recognition and friendships with notable figures, including Prince William. His sudden death has sparked discussions about the future of Sona Comstar, with reports suggesting that his sisters may step into management roles to address the succession crisis.
Sunjay’s personal life was equally eventful. Before marrying Karisma, he was married to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani from 1996 to 2000. After his divorce from Karisma, he married model-turned-entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son, Azarius, and a stepdaughter, Safira. His third wife, Priya, and their family have been actively involved in organizing his funeral and prayer meet, with Priya’s father, Ashok Sachdev, confirming the arrangements.
Public and Family Reactions
The news of Sunjay Kapur’s death prompted an outpouring of condolences from family, friends, and the public. On the evening of his passing, Karisma’s sister, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and her husband, Saif Ali Khan, rushed to Karisma’s residence in Mumbai to offer their support. Other close family members, including Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora, and Shakeel Ladak, also visited to console Karisma.
Sunjay’s business associate and actor Suhel Seth confirmed his death and shared a heartfelt post on X, mourning the loss of his friend. The polo community, including the Sujan Indian Tigers, paid tribute to Sunjay’s contributions to the sport, emphasizing his passion and camaraderie. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, with posts from outlets like ZoomTV, TimesNow, and ABP Live providing updates on the funeral arrangements and Karisma’s travel to Delhi.
The inclusion of Samaira and Kiaan’s names in the family’s grief note for the prayer meet has been noted by fans, reflecting the unity of Sunjay’s extended family in honoring his memory. The note included a poignant quote: “Jin logon ne Naam ka dhyaan kiya aur mehnat se jeevan bitaya, Nanak kehte hain, unke chehre ujwal hote hain aur anek log unke saath mukti paate hain,” which translates to a Sikh prayer about living a life of dedication and earning liberation through hard work.
Sunjay Kapur’s death has not only been a personal loss for his family but also a significant event in India’s corporate and social landscape. His leadership at Sona Comstar positioned the company as a key player in the global automotive industry, and his passing has raised questions about its future direction. Reports suggest that his children, including Samaira and Kiaan, may inherit a portion of his estimated ₹10,300 crore fortune, though the details of his will remain unconfirmed.
For Karisma Kapoor, this moment marks a poignant chapter in her life, as she navigates the loss of her ex-husband while supporting her children. Her decision to attend the funeral, despite their difficult past, reflects a sense of closure and respect for Sunjay’s role as the father of her children. The public’s fascination with this story underscores the enduring interest in the Kapoor family, one of Bollywood’s most prominent dynasties.
Karisma Kapoor’s journey to Delhi to attend Sunjay Kapur’s last rites is a testament to the complexities of personal relationships and the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of past conflicts. Sunjay’s sudden death has left a lasting impact on those who knew him, from his business associates to his polo teammates and his extended family. As Karisma, Samaira, and Kiaan join others in Delhi to bid farewell, the event marks a moment of collective mourning and reflection. The scheduled prayer meet on June 22 will further honor Sunjay’s memory, bringing together his loved ones to celebrate his life and legacy. This tragic event serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of coming together in times of loss.
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