Billionaire Businessman and Friend of Prince William, Sunjay Kapur Dies at 53 After Reportedly Swallowing a Bee During Polo Match in England

A billionaire businessman who counted Prince William among his friends has died at 53 after reportedly swallowing a bee whilst playing polo in England

Sunjay Kapur, billionaire chairman of global automotive giant Sona Comstar and a prominent figure on the international polo circuit, has died at the age of 53 after reportedly swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.

Kapur, a close friend of Prince William and ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, collapsed during the game after suffering what is believed to have been an allergic reaction to a bee sting in his mouth. The sting is suspected to have triggered anaphylactic shock, which led to cardiac arrest.

Sunjay Kapur, chairman of global automotive parts manufacturer Sona Comstar, collapsed during the match yesterday afternoon

The Indian industrialist was a regular on the elite polo scene, often seen alongside members of the British Royal Family. His former wife had publicly discussed his friendship with the Prince of Wales and their shared passion for polo.

Tragically, Kapur had posted on social media just hours before his death, expressing condolences over the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives. "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," he wrote.

Sona Comstar confirmed the news in a statement, describing Kapur as a “visionary leader whose passion, insight and dedication shaped the identity and success of our company.”

He served as president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and held the position of co-chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry's Manufacturing Council

Kapur transformed Sona Comstar into a global force in the automotive components industry, with operations across India, the United States, China, Mexico, and Serbia. The company plays a vital role in supplying parts for the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector.

In addition to leading Sona Comstar, Kapur served as president of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India and co-chaired the Confederation of Indian Industry's Manufacturing Council. Under his leadership, the company became a crucial player in the global EV supply chain.

Tributes poured in following the announcement of his death. Author and actor Suhel Seth described him as “a terrible loss,” offering condolences to his family and colleagues. Ashoka University called him a “valued member of the Ashoka fraternity,” and The Doon School, his alma mater, remembered him as “a passionate fitness and sports enthusiast” and a lifelong learner.

Following his divorce from Karisma Kapoor, Sunjay Kapur remarried Bollywood actress Priya Sachdev Kapur. The couple welcomed their son, Azarias, in 2018.

Kapur's unexpected death has sent shockwaves through India’s business and social circles, marking the loss of a man known for both his industrial leadership and high-profile connections.