Billionaire businessman Sunjay Kapur’s shocking death on June 12 in a polo match in London has unleashed a ferocious succession war over his Rs 30,000 crore fortune, including the ownership of Sona Comstar, one of the world’s top auto component makers.
With heirs from prior marriages, adopted kids, and a mother dissenting from boardroom decisions in public, who gets what has become the crux of one of India’s most complicated business family battles in recent times.
Children from Previous Marriages and Adoption Questions
Sunjay Kapur had two children with his ex-wife Karisma Kapoor – Samaira (20) and Kiaan (14) – and a son, Azarius (6), from his present wife Priya Sachdev Kapur. Priya has a daughter, Safira, from her first marriage to businessman Vikram Chatwal.
Whether Safira can claim a share of Sunjay’s property is solely based on whether there is a will and what it says. According to law, a stepchild cannot inherit unless adopted legally.
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By the reports, Sunjay adopted Safira, making her a legal heir to his assets. But if Safira was adopted by Sunjay legally, she would no longer be able to claim inheritance from her father, Vikram Chatwal.
This turn puts Safira in a legally ambiguous position, unless Sunjay expressly included her in a will, which has not yet been ascertained.
Surname Switch Sparks Inheritance Speculation
To the rumors is added the rumor that Priya Sachdev and Safira have both allegedly switched their surnames. Priya is now known as Priya Sunjay Kapur, and Safira supposedly removed Chatwal from her name and is now using Safira Kapur. This is being interpreted by some as an effort to secure claims to the Kapur fortune.
Even after Karisma and Sunjay’s divorce in 2016, Sunjay apparently made arrangements for his two children from his previous marriage: As part of succession planning, Samaira and Kiaan were bequeathed bonds with a value of Rs 14 crore. They have also been assured a monthly allowance of Rs 10 lakh each, as per media reports.
Karisma Kapoor was bequeathed the ownership of a house that was owned by Sunjay Kapur’s father, Dr. Surinder Kapur.
This indicates that Samaira and Kiaan, though unlikely to inherit the business empire, have been financially protected through planning for the long term.
Legal Heirs and the Role of a Missing Will
Being Sunjay Kapur’s legal wife upon his death, Priya Sachdev Kapur is also entitled to a large part of his estate, particularly since there was no will left behind.
Sunjay was the exclusive beneficiary of the RK Family Trust, which owns the promoter holding in Sona Comstar through Aureus Investments Pvt Ltd.
According to law, without a specific will, Priya will inherit and control his wealth.
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Their 6-year-old biological son Azarius is also a direct legal heir and is expected to inherit a stake in both the trust and personal fortunes.
If Safira was legally adopted, she too would be able to inherit an equal share as a daughter.
Family Rift Deepens With SEBI Complaint
While the management of Sona Comstar continues under its existing board, which recently appointed Jeffrey Mark Overly as chairman, family tensions have been rising. Rani Kapur, Sunjay’s mother, has raised serious allegations in a letter to SEBI and company shareholders, claiming, “I was emotionally shattered and coerced into signing documents I hadn’t seen. This AGM is a betrayal of the family legacy.”
She objected to Priya’s appointment as a non-executive director, saying it was done without family consultation and raised concerns over outsiders representing the family.
The company has refuted her claims, stating that Rani Kapur had not held shares since 2019, and all decisions including Priya’s appointment were taken with due process and shareholder approval.
Company Assures Stability Despite Market Dip
Following Sunjay’s death, shares of Sona Comstar fell 7% as investors grew concerned about succession. However, the company tried to reassure stakeholders with a statement, “His vision, values, and dedication to excellence have left a lasting legacy for the company. We assure our customers, business partners, employees, and shareholders that our operations and prospects remain unchanged as we honour his legacy.”
According to sources, Sunjay Kapur was playing a match at Guards Polo Club in London when he felt suffocated. He allegedly swallowed a bee, and the sting in his throat triggered a heart attack. He exited the field but collapsed shortly after and was declared dead.
Sunjay married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple became parents to daughter Samaira in 2005 and son Kiaan in 2011. They filed for divorce through mutual consent in 2014, and the divorce was finalised in 2016. Custody of the children was given to Karisma, while Sunjay was granted visitation rights. Priya Sachdev was the third wife of the late Sunjay Kapur. Before Priya and Karisma, Sunjay was married to Nandita Mahtani.
