An Indian billionaire and close friend of Prince William has died after reportedly swallowing a bee during a polo match, which is believed to have triggered a fatal heart attack.
Sunjay Kapur, 53, chairman of global car parts giant Sona Comstar, collapsed while playing a match in England on Thursday, the Mirror reports.
Just hours before his death, the Indian billionaire paid tribute to the victims of the Air India tragedy, in which 241 people lost their lives when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed into a medical college shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad Airport.
In his final post, he wrote: “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.”
Mr Kapur was well-known for his love of polo, high-profile marriages and for his friendship with Prince William.
The bee reportedly stung Mr Kapur in the mouth, which potentially triggered anaphylactic shock, causing the heart to stop, The Mirror reports.
One insider told the newspaper Mr Kapur’s death had come as a shock to the polo community.
“He was full of life, laughing, joking, then gone in an instant,” they said.
Another source close to the family said: “Sunjay was in excellent health. No one could believe what had happened. It’s a shocking reminder of how fragile life can be.”
Mr Kapur was previously married to Karisma Kapoor and together the couple have a daughter Samaira and a son, Kiaan. The couple divorced in 2016 and Ms Kapoor later filed a domestic violence case against Sunjay.
Mr Kapur’s company, Sina Comstar, paid tribute to a “visionary leader” and a “devoted father”.
They said in a statement: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Mr Sunjay J Kapur, Chairman and Non-Executive Director of Sona Comstar, following a sudden heart attack in England, UK, on 12th June 2025, at the age of 53.
“A visionary leader, Mr Kapur played a pivotal role in shaping Sona Comstar into a global mobility technology company built on innovation, sustainability, and purpose. His passion, foresight, and relentless commitment to excellence inspired everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr Kapur was a devoted father, a mentor to many, and a tireless advocate for India’s manufacturing and mobility sectors. His loss is deeply felt across the industry and within the Sona Parivar.
“Further details regarding memorial arrangements will be shared in due course.”
