Witnesses at the event described a vibrant atmosphere prior to the tragedy, with Kapur engaging in light-hearted banter and laughter with friends and fellow players. However, as the game progressed, the mood shifted dramatically. According to reports from The Telegraph and The Mirror, witnesses recalled Kapur expressing discomfort moments before collapsing, stating, “I’ve swallowed something.” This alarming declaration was followed by a rapid deterioration in his condition.
Kapur was known not only for his wealth and business acumen but also for his close ties to the British royal family, particularly Prince William. The two shared a passion for polo, often playing together at various events. An insider close to Kapur described him as a warm, generous person who treated everyone equally, regardless of their social status. “He will be greatly missed not only by his family and friends but the local community around his club,” the source told The Mirror. “He employed many people and made countless friends — he was fun, kind, and generous.”
Anaphylaxis, the severe allergic reaction that claimed Kapur’s life, occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger, releasing an abundance of chemicals that can lead to life-threatening symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, narrowing of the airways, and a range of other alarming symptoms, including a rapid pulse, skin rash, nausea, and vomiting. Common triggers include certain foods, medications, insect venom, and latex. Tragically, in Kapur’s case, it appears that the sting of a bee may have initiated this lethal response.
Kapur’s legacy extends beyond his polo affiliations and friendships with high-profile figures. He was the chairman of Sona Comstar, a global leader in the automotive components industry, which he inherited from his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, who founded the company in 1987. Under his leadership, Sona Comstar has flourished, making significant strides in the automotive sector.
The company released a statement expressing their profound sorrow at the untimely passing of their chairman. “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,” the statement read.
Kapur’s personal life was also notable. He was married to Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor from 2003 until their divorce in 2016. The couple shared two children: a daughter, Samaira, now 20, and a son, Kiaan, 14. Following his separation from Karisma, Kapur married model Priya Sachdev in 2017, and they welcomed a son, Azarias, who is now 7 years old.