LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA) – Indian billionaire, polo patron, and close friend of Prince William, Sunjay Kapur has died at the age of 53 following a tragic incident during a polo match in Windsor.
Kapur was competing for the Sujan Indian Tigers in the Cartier Trophy Semi-Finals at Guards Polo Club on Thursday when he suddenly fell ill on the field at Smith’s Lawn.
According to reports, he had been stung in the mouth by a bee, which triggered a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock. Moments before collapsing, Kapur reportedly told teammates, “I’ve swallowed something.” Despite immediate attention, he suffered a fatal heart attack.
The Guards Polo Club confirmed the news in a statement posted Friday to Instagram, writing,
“He became unwell when playing in a match at Smith’s Lawn and sadly passed away. The Club sends its deepest condolences to his wife, Priya Sachdev, his children, the wider Kapur family, and his Aureus team-mates.”
His death was also confirmed by the automotive giant Sona Comstar, where Kapur served as Chairman and Non-Executive Director. The company stated that he died of a “sudden heart attack,” later revealed to have been induced by the allergic reaction.
Sunjay Kapur was a well-known figure in both business and elite polo circles. He inherited Sona Comstar from his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, in 2015. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, with nine factories across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States. Forbes estimated Kapur’s net worth at $1.2 billion.
READ ALSO: Hollywood Filmaker, David Lynch Dies At 78
Beyond the boardroom, Kapur was a beloved figure on the polo field. As owner of the Aureus Polo team, he frequently played alongside members of the British royal family, including Prince William. Aureus Polo honored him in a tribute, calling him the “life and soul” of the team.
Friends remember him as down-to-earth and generous. “He didn’t distinguish between his grooms or high-net-worth friends,” one friend said. “When he had a party, everyone was invited and everyone was equal.”
Kapur’s personal life also drew media attention. He was previously married to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, with whom he had two children: Samaira, 20, and Kiaan, 14. He later married model Priya Sachdev in 2017. The couple share a son, Azarias, 7.
Strikingly, just hours before his death, Kapur posted an emotional message on X social about another tragedy, the Air India crash in Ahmedabad that left 241 dead.
“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.
His sudden passing has shocked both the global business community and the world of polo, where he leaves behind a lasting legacy of excellence, generosity, and camaraderie.