Sunjay Kapur's Sudden Death Ignites $4 Billion Inheritance Feud

In June 2022, the sudden death of prominent Indian industrialist Sunjay Kapur during a polo match in London sent shockwaves through the country's corporate circles. Kapur, the force behind Sona Comstar, one of the world's top auto component manufacturers, passed away due to a heart attack. With an estimated net worth of ₹30,000 crore ($4 billion), Kapur's passing has now sparked a complex and emotionally charged inheritance dispute.

At the center of the legal storm is the status of Safira, the daughter of Kapur's third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, from her previous marriage to businessman Vikram Chatwal. The key question is whether Safira was legally adopted by Kapur, as this would determine her rights to inherit a share of his vast estate. Under Indian inheritance law, stepchildren are not automatically entitled to a share unless a formal adoption has taken place.

Adding to the complications, Safira and Priya have reportedly changed their surnames, potentially to strengthen their legal and symbolic claims within the family legacy. Meanwhile, Kapur's two children from his previous marriage to actress Karisma Kapoor have already received substantial financial provisions, suggesting he took steps to secure their future.

As Kapur's legally wedded wife at the time of his death, Priya Sachdev Kapur stands to inherit a significant portion of his estate by default, particularly if no will was left behind. However, the most undisputed heir remains Kapur and Priya's 6-year-old son, Azarius, who has full legal rights to his father's estate, including potential claims to Sona Comstar and the RK Family Trust.