The sudden passing of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, on June 12, 2025, sent shockwaves across both the business world and the entertainment industry. Kapur, 52, was reportedly playing polo when he collapsed unexpectedly. Initial accounts suggested a dramatic turn of events, with early reports claiming he had suffered a fatal bee sting or an allergic reaction during the match. Some even speculated that he might have swallowed a bee, though these claims were never verified.
Friends and colleagues described the day as tragic and surreal. Kapur, a well-known figure in corporate circles and a private yet influential presence, had been active in his businesses and social engagements until the very end.
His sudden death left his family, current wife Priya Sachdev and ex-wife Karisma Kapoor, in an ugly inheritance battle.
The bee sting rumour
The first public confirmation of Kapur’s death came from author and columnist Suhel Seth on X (formerly Twitter). Almost immediately, unverified reports began to circulate, suggesting that a bee sting had triggered choking or anaphylaxis, ultimately leading to cardiac arrest. Though widely shared, these accounts were unsubstantiated and later proved inaccurate.
Official cause of death
Weeks later,the Surrey Coroner’s office released a report clarifying the cause of death. Kapur had suffered a sudden heart attack. Contributing factors included left ventricular hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart’s left ventricle, and ischemic heart disease. The coroner confirmed there was no evidence of a bee sting or allergic reaction.
Left ventricular hypertrophy happens when the muscle wall of the heart’s left ventricle gets thicker. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood properly. It usually develops when the heart works too hard or when blood pressure is high.
Ischemic heart disease occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen, often because the arteries are narrowed. The coroner’s office in its report, mentioned, “In light of this, the investigation has now been discontinued pursuant to Section 4 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009… there will be no need for an inquest.”
According to sources close to Priya Kapur, Sunjay Kapur’s wife, the report confirms there was no foul play. They said the report had already been shared with Rani Kapur, Mr. Kapur’s mother, days earlier. NDTV reported that Rani Kapur’s later claims that he was “murdered as part of a transnational conspiracy” are puzzling.
Shifts after Kapur’s death
The bee sting rumours came at the same time as several family and business changes. Online profiles were updated, board positions shifted, and legal notices were sent. Kapur’s wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, changed her profile to “Priya Sunjay Kapur,” drawing attention. Many noticed that these moves, happening so soon after his death, added more curiosity to the story.
All you need to know about the inheritance battle
The sudden death of Sunjay Kapur has ignited a high-profile legal dispute over his estimated Rs 30,000 crore estate. Central to the controversy is an alleged will, dated March 21, 2025, which reportedly bequeaths the entirety of his personal assets to his third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur. This document, produced weeks after his death, is now being contested by Kapur’s children from his previous marriage to Karisma Kapoor, who allege that the will is forged and was concealed until recently.
Karisma Kapoor’s children, Samaira and Kiaan, have filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the validity of the will. They claim that their father had repeatedly assured them of their rightful share in his estate, but the contested will excludes them entirely. The children allege that the will was unregistered, never disclosed earlier, and was presented hastily during a family meeting at a Taj Hotel. Their legal team argues that the document was produced under questionable circumstances and should not be considered valid.
Sunjay and Karisma married in 2003 and have two children, Samaira and Kiaan. The couple separated in 2014 and finalised their divorce in 2016.
Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Karisma Kapoor’s children, has maintained that the litigation is not about benefits from the RK Family Trust but about protecting the children’s rightful inheritance in their father’s personal assets. “This litigation is about securing the future of Sunjay Kapur’s children and ensuring fair access to the assets held in India and abroad,” said Jethmalani in court.
Priya Sachdev Kapur, the widow, has responded by asserting that the children have already benefited from the RK Family Trust, valued at approximately Ra 1,900 crore. Her legal representatives contend that the children’s claims are without merit, as they have received substantial assets through the trust. Additionally, Priya has been directed by the Delhi High Court to disclose a comprehensive list of all movable and immovable assets belonging to Sunjay Kapur. The court has also ordered that the contested will be placed in a sealed cover for examination.
“Assuming the estate is worth Rs 30,000 crore and the children are said to have received Rs 1,900 crore from the RK Trust, that still leaves over Rs 28,000 crore to Priya Sachdev Kapur,” Jethmalani noted during proceedings. “The question is whether she would be willing to forsake a significant portion of that fortune. One has to appreciate that this litigation is about ensuring all five Class I heirs, including Sunjay Kapur’s two children with Karisma, receive their fair share.”
Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, has also intervened in the legal proceedings. She has expressed concerns over the exclusion of her grandchildren from the inheritance and has accused Priya Kapur of altering the will. Rani Kapur claims that despite her repeated requests, she was never provided with a copy of the will and was kept in the dark about her son’s estate planning.
The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing for October 9, 2025. At this session, the court is expected to review the authenticity of the contested will and examine the full inventory of Sunjay Kapur’s assets.
As per courtroom updates, Sunjay Kapur’s children have still not been provided a copy of the alleged Will nor clarity on their father’s full list of personal assets.