Industrialist Sunjay’s death puts focus on Kounis Syndrome—Allergy-linked heart issue from bee sting

Hyderabad: Industrialist Sunjay J Kapur, 53, and chairman of Sona Comstar, passed away following a sudden heart attack in England while attending a polo tournament.

His company, Sona Comstar, confirmed the news in an official statement, calling it an ‘untimely passing’ and expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Sunjay J Kapur, chairman and non-executive director of Sona Comstar, following a sudden heart attack in England, UK, on June 12, at the age of 53,” the statement read.

Eyewitness claims Sunjay swallowed a bee

While the company confirmed that the cause was a heart attack, a separate and unexpected detail emerged from Indian author and columnist Suhel Seth. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “Sunjay died of a heart attack, apparently after swallowing a bee during a polo match in England.”

This detail has not been corroborated by the family or Sona Comstar, but it has raised questions about a potential allergic reaction or choking that may have led to the cardiac event.

Medical experts weigh in

To better understand how such an incident could lead to a fatal heart attack, we reached out to cardiologists and emergency medicine experts in India.

1. Dr Prithvi Gupta, consultant cardiologist, Hyderabad, speaking to NewsMeter said, “If a bee is accidentally swallowed and stings internally, particularly in the throat, it can cause a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. In some rare but critical cases, this can result in what we call Kounis Syndrome, where the allergic response triggers a heart attack.”

Dr Nandini Rao, emergency physician, said, “The throat and airways are extremely sensitive. Swelling or obstruction caused by a sting in that area can restrict breathing within minutes. Lack of oxygen combined with the stress on the cardiovascular system can lead to cardiac arrest.”

“Not everyone reacts to bee stings the same way. But for someone allergic, even a single sting inside the body can lead to a systemic reaction. Swallowing a bee is rare, but if the sting hits the mucosa or vocal cords, the result could be catastrophic,” She added.

Condolences pour in

Following the news, several close friends and members of the Kapoor family gathered at Karisma Kapoor’s residence in Mumbai to pay their respects. Among those spotted were Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora.

Sunjay Kapur was previously married to actor Karisma Kapoor. The two tied the knot in 2003 and later divorced in 2014. They have two children, Samaira and Kiaan, and were recently seen dining together with their kids in Mumbai—a rare but amicable public appearance, signalling continued co-parenting.

Sunjay was first married to fashion designer Nandita Mahtani in 1996. After his divorce from Karisma, he married model and entrepreneur Priya Sachdev in 2017, with whom he had a son, Azarias.

Industry and social circles react

Prominent socialites and business figures expressed shock at the sudden loss. Art patron Shalini Passi and her husband, Sanjay Passi, known to be close friends of Sunjay, shared condolences privately and expressed their grief over the tragic news.

Awaiting medical clarity

An official medical report from the UK authorities is awaited to clarify the exact chain of events that led to Sunjay Kapur’s death. While the primary cause has been confirmed as a heart attack, the circumstances, particularly the reference to a swallowed bee, remain unverified by his family or company.

Understanding Kounis Syndrome

Kounis Syndrome, as explained by experts, is a rare allergic reaction that can result in spasms of the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. It has been documented in cases involving insect stings, medications, and food allergies. The syndrome is rare, but it highlights the fragile link between allergic reactions and cardiac events, especially in high-stress or physically demanding situations like sports.

Legacy and contributions

As chairman of Sona Comstar, Sunjay Kapur played a key role in expanding the company’s footprint in the electric vehicle components sector. Under his leadership, Sona Comstar grew into a major automotive systems supplier with a global presence.