Is Karisma Kapoor eyeing ₹300 billion inheritance from Sunjay Kapur despite ₹700 million alimony?

A family dispute has intensified more than a month after the sudden death of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, with reports suggesting that his ex-wife, actress Karisma Kapoor, is now seeking a stake in his vast ₹300 billion ($3.6 billion) estate.

This follows her ₹700 million ($8.4 million) alimony settlement from their 2016 divorce.

Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, has asserted herself as the sole heir to Sona Comstar, citing her majority shareholding in its parent company, Sona Group. Meanwhile, fresh reports claim Karisma Kapoor is pursuing a share of the estate, adding complexity to the ongoing family feud.

Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar, died unexpectedly on June 12, 2025, in England—allegedly from a heart attack caused by a bee sting, according to multiple media sources. His funeral was held in Delhi on June 19.

Karisma Kapoor’s alleged claim

According to Dainik Jagran, Karisma Kapoor has reportedly sought a share of the late businessman’s estate, though neither she nor her representatives have publicly confirmed this.

Legal experts suggest that since Karisma received a substantial alimony and property rights for their children, her legal claim to further assets is limited.

Provision for children

Sunjay Kapur had also set aside a ₹140 million bond for their children, Samaira and Kiaan, generating ₹1 million monthly interest to cover their expenses. Additionally, the family home in Khar is registered in their names.

Disputed will and ownership

While Rani Kapur references the will of her late husband and Sona Comstar founder Surinder Kapur to support her claim, reports indicate that Sunjay Kapur was the sole beneficiary of the RK Family Trust, a major stakeholder in Aureus Investments Pvt Ltd, which owns 28.02% of Sona Comstar. This arrangement underpins Priya Sachdev Kapur’s recent board appointment, a move opposed by Rani Kapur.

Mother alleges coercion and financial freeze

Rani Kapur has accused certain parties of coercion and mismanagement, claiming her accounts were frozen and she was pressured to sign documents without explanation during the family’s grieving period. Describing her son’s death as “unexplained and suspicious,” she has called for greater scrutiny.

Her lawyer, senior advocate Vaibhav Gaggar, told ANI: “She will not stay silent until the truth is acknowledged.” He added that while no formal legal action has been taken yet, all options remain open.

Ongoing power struggle

Despite Rani’s objections, the company’s Annual General Meeting on July 25 approved Priya Sachdev Kapur’s appointment to the board and confirmed Jeffery Mark Overly as chairman. Internal records suggest Priya’s legal position is strong through the family trust, potentially sidelining other family members unless challenged legally.

Beyond the headlines

Sunjay Kapur was more than a celebrity spouse. After taking over Sona Comstar in 2015, he expanded its global footprint and steered its growth in electric mobility and advanced automotive technology.

At the time of his death, Forbes estimated his net worth at $1.2 billion (₹10,300 crore), surpassing Bollywood’s richest stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, and overshadowing his ex-wife’s family wealth.

Sunjay Kapur succession row: timeline

• June 12, 2025:
  Sunjay Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar, dies suddenly in England reportedly from a heart attack linked to a bee sting. He was 53.

• June 19, 2025:
  Sunjay Kapur’s funeral is held in Delhi with family and close friends in attendance.

• Late June 2025:
  Reports emerge of a brewing family dispute over control of Kapur’s ₹300 billion ($3.6 billion) estate, involving his mother Rani Kapur, widow Priya Sachdev Kapur, and ex-wife Karisma Kapoor.

• July 24, 2025:
  Rani Kapur writes to Sona Comstar’s board alleging coercion during the family’s grieving period, frozen accounts, and questions the official cause of Sunjay’s death. She demands postponement of the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

• July 25, 2025:
  Despite Rani’s objections, Sona Comstar proceeds with its AGM. Key decisions include appointing Priya Sachdev Kapur as Non-Executive Director and confirming Jeffery Mark Overly as Chairman.

• Post-AGM July 2025:
  Media reports suggest Karisma Kapoor has also sought a share of Sunjay Kapur’s estate, despite previously receiving ₹700 million ($8.4 million) in alimony. No official confirmation from Karisma or her representatives is made.

• Ongoing:
  Legal and family battles continue over control of Sona Comstar and the distribution of Sunjay Kapur’s assets, with all parties reserving their rights.