Sunjay Kapur's Succession Crisis: Inheritance of ₹10,300 Crore Empire

Sunjay Kapur, a prominent billionaire businessman and CEO of Sona Comstar, passed away unexpectedly in London at the age of 53 due to a heart attack, prompting a significant succession crisis within his auto parts empire, valued at ₹10,300 crore (approximately $1.2 billion). His sudden demise has raised questions regarding the management of the company and the future inheritance of his children, Samaira and Kiaan, from his previous marriage to actress Karisma Kapoor, and Azarias, his son with current wife Priya Sachdev.

Kapur had taken over leadership of Sona Comstar in 2015 after the death of his father, Dr. Surinder Kapur, and had since expanded the company into a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) components sector. The company operates 12 manufacturing facilities across India, China, Mexico, Serbia, and the United States, employing over 5,000 individuals. Following Kapur's death, Sona Comstar issued a statement assuring stakeholders that operations would remain unchanged and that the company would honor his legacy.

As per reports from the Hindustan Times and India Today, the management of Sunjay Kapur's estate will be transferred to his wife, Priya Sachdev, in accordance with legal stipulations. Although there are no current plans for his children to assume leadership roles within the company, it has been suggested that his sisters may step into management positions. The future leadership of Sona Comstar remains uncertain, with the possibility of external management being brought in to maintain stability.

Regarding inheritance, reports indicate that Samaira and Kiaan have each been gifted bonds worth ₹14 crore, along with a monthly income of ₹10 lakh. This arrangement appears to be part of a broader legacy planning initiative, although the specifics of Sunjay Kapur's will have not been publicly disclosed. The inheritance implications for his third son, Azarias, have not been addressed, raising further questions about the distribution of wealth among the siblings.

The circumstances surrounding Kapur's death and the subsequent succession crisis highlight important discussions about wealth management, family dynamics, and corporate governance in India's rapidly evolving business landscape. Experts suggest that the lack of a clear succession plan may pose challenges for Sona Comstar in maintaining its growth trajectory in the competitive auto components market.

Dr. Anjali Mehta, a succession planning expert and Professor of Management at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, remarked, "Succession crises often expose the vulnerabilities in family businesses, particularly when there are multiple heirs with different interests. It is critical for family-owned businesses to establish clear succession plans to mitigate such uncertainties."

As Sona Comstar navigates this tumultuous period, the future remains uncertain not only for the company but also for the Kapur family's wealth distribution and the legacy of Sunjay Kapur. Observers will be closely monitoring developments in the coming months to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the broader auto parts industry in India and beyond.