Kalyani Chawla’s Heartfelt Revelation: The Tragic Irony of Sunjay Kapur’s Quest for Longevity
The sudden demise of industrialist Sunjay Kapur, in a tragic and utterly unforeseen accident, has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew him. Among the many mourning his loss, Kalyani Chawla, known from “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives” and a dear friend for over three decades, recently shared a deeply poignant tribute. Her words unveil a heartbreaking irony: Sunjay’s fervent desire to live to 100, driven by his love for his youngest son, Azarius, was cruelly cut short. He succumbed to a cardiac arrest after a freak incident involving a bee sting while playing polo in England, an activity he passionately embraced.
A Friendship Forged in Decades: Kalyani Chawla Remembers Sunjay
Kalyani Chawla’s remembrance paints a vivid picture of a friendship that transcended time and typical boundaries. She described Sunjay as an “insufferable” yet utterly dependable presence, someone she could lean on despite periods of silence. Their bond, she revealed, was akin to that of siblings – marked by bickering, endless lectures on her “questionable choices,” and unwavering support for her entrepreneurial ventures, from her art to her business, Rezon. He would even drive through torrential Delhi rains just to offer comfort in her distress.
The Devoted Family Man: Priya Sachdev and His Children at the Core
Sunjay Kapur’s life, as narrated by Kalyani, revolved significantly around his family. His marriage to Priya Sachdev, a “strong-willed woman of great intelligence,” was a cornerstone of his world. Kalyani emphasized how Priya’s “opinion and advice ruled his life,” reflecting a deep partnership and respect. Public speaking, a forte of Sunjay’s, reportedly saw Priya’s name woven into almost every sentence, a testament to her central role in his thoughts.
His children were, unequivocally, his priority. Beyond his younger son Azarius with Priya, Sunjay also shared two children, Samaira and Kiaan, with his former wife, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor. Priya Sachdev herself had previously spoken about the unconventional nature of Sunjay’s prior marriage to Karisma Kapoor and her own unique bond with Samaira and Kiaan. Kalyani also highlighted Sunjay’s “unequivocal love” for her own daughter, Tahira, showcasing his expansive capacity for affection.
An Unwavering Drive for Excellence: From Business to Polo
Sunjay Kapur was depicted as a man of formidable dedication and a relentless competitive spirit. Whether it was taking on the mantle of his family’s esteemed Sona Comstar business or mastering the challenging sport of polo, he approached everything with an almost “obsessive” commitment to being the best. Kalyani recalled witnessing his first polo match in “wonderment,” marveling at his rapid progress in a sport he’d only recently taken up, learning to ride just a year prior.
This pursuit of excellence, particularly in polo, adds another layer of heartbreaking irony to his passing. He tragically departed while engaged in an activity he had come to love, fulfilling his deep-seated desire for mastery.
The Poignant 10-Year Plan: A Vision Interrupted
Just months before his untimely death, Sunjay Kapur had articulated a meticulous 10-year plan during an appearance on the “Indian Silicon Valley” podcast. Having stepped away from a central operational role in Sona Comstar, he had carefully outlined “broad strokes of work-related and non-work-related” goals, even flushing out his vision for 2025. He confessed, “I’m not the sort of person who can sit around without a packed schedule. It’s a great luxury to be the master of your own time.”
This foresight, this careful crafting of a future, stands in stark, painful contrast to the suddenness of his end. The man who envisioned a century of life for his son, who meticulously planned a decade of his own, was taken in a fleeting moment.
A Legacy of Love, Loyalty, and Hero Worship
Kalyani Chawla concluded her heartfelt tribute by expressing the profound impact Sunjay had on her life and countless others. She considered herself “so lucky” to have had him as “family,” referring to him endearingly as her “third sister” and her “James Bond.” His “love, support, and unflinching loyalty” left an indelible mark. His sudden departure, she conveyed, left everyone he touched, even briefly, “shaken, stirred, and gutted.” Sunjay Kapur leaves behind a legacy of immense love, respect, and a sense of hero worship among those who witnessed his unwavering dedication to life, family, and his pursuits.
