London, June 12, 2025 – Indian businessman and former husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, Sanjay (Sunjay) Kapur, passed away suddenly at age 53 while participating in a polo match in Windsor, UK .
What Happened on the Field
- Kapur collapsed mid-match, reportedly exclaiming, “I’ve swallowed something,” shortly before losing consciousness.
- Eyewitnesses described it as either a choking incident or a bee entering his mouth—the most widely reported version being that he swallowed a bee.
- Following the incident, Kapur suffered a sudden heart attack and could not be revived despite immediate medical assistance on-site.
Medical Insight
- Preliminary assessments suggest a heart attack, possibly triggered by anaphylactic shock after a bee sting inside his mouth.
- Cardiologists explain that anaphylaxis — a severe allergic reaction — can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. If a bee stings the throat, it can provoke airway swelling, drop in blood pressure, and quick heart failure.
- Experts stress that intense physical activity like polo can exacerbate cardiovascular stress, making such reactions more dangerous.
The Investigation
- A formal post-mortem is underway in London to confirm the precise cause of death — whether it was classic heart attack from exertion, allergic reaction, choking, or a combination.
Legacy and Tributes
- Kapur was the Chairman of Sona Comstar, an automotive-parts firm that he nurtured into a global leader in mobility tech.
- Close contacts, including polo teammates and members of the British royal circle, remembered him as “fun, kind and generous,” with tributes pouring in from both business and sports communities.
- His team observed a minute of silence during the Cartier Trophy semi-final at Guards Polo Club as a mark of respect.
Final Thoughts
While the ultimate cause — be it anaphylactic shock from the bee sting, exertion-induced heart attack, or choking — awaits confirmation, early signs point to a sudden cardiac arrest triggered by a rare, yet serious allergic reaction. His death underscores the unpredictability and dangers inherent even in seemingly routine sports for those with unknown vulnerabilities.
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