New Delhi: On June 12, the Indian automotive industry was hit with tragic news. Sunjay J Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away at the age of 53 in England. He suffered a sudden heart attack while playing a polo match. Early reports suggest he accidentally swallowed a bee during the game, which may have triggered the attack. Despite swift medical attention, he could not be revived.
Kapur was known as someone who lived and breathed the business of mobility. Whether it was manufacturing EV drivetrain components or pushing for localisation in India’s supply chain, he had a way of staying ahead of the curve without chasing buzzwords. His passing has left a noticeable silence across boardrooms, WhatsApp groups, and industry events.
As chairman of Sona Comstar, Sunjay Kapur helped transform the firm from a traditional auto parts maker into one of India’s major suppliers of precision components for electric vehicles. With plants across India, China, the US, Mexico, and Serbia, the company has become a global supplier of motor, gear, and drivetrain tech. His work with Sona was not flashy, but it was consistent and calculated.
During the worst phase of the global chip shortage in 2021, I had interviewed Kapur a couple of times. He was steady in his outlook, insisting India had the talent and scale to not just make components for local vehicles but become a serious export hub for EV parts. That same year, he took charge as Chairman of ACMA. His focus was clear, improve quality, increase localisation, and push Indian suppliers up the value chain.
He didn’t just represent a company; he represented an attitude. Calm, curious, and strategic. At the time of his death, he was also serving as Chairman of the CII Northern Region and had been active across policy think tanks, academic boards, and startup mentorship platforms.
Outside the factory and boardroom, Sunjay was rarely seen without his riding boots. Polo was a big part of his life. He founded Aureus Polo (previously Sona Polo) and played actively, not just in India but in the UK and the US. Those who’ve seen him on horseback say he was as composed with a mallet as he was in a board meeting.
His sudden passing now puts Sona Comstar at a crossroads. The EV supply chain is still maturing, and his leadership had become one of the few stable voices advocating for India’s place in it. Several industry insiders say that while the company has a solid team, losing someone like him so unexpectedly will be felt for a long time.
While some outside the auto industry may still remember Sunjay Kapur for his past marriage to a Bollywood actor, those in the auto industry knew him for much more. He was someone who built trust across factories, boardrooms, and government corridors, not through flash, but through focus.
He belonged to that rare breed of low-profile industrialists who avoided noise and preferred long-term work over headline moments. His vision extended beyond profits. He believed Indian suppliers could rise beyond tier-2 status and play in the global EV league. His sudden passing has paused that voice mid-sentence.
