By International Business Correspondent | June 21, 2025
New Delhi – In an emotional tribute that highlights both friendship and leadership, Vivek Vikram Singh, CEO of Sona Comstar, has shared his profound grief at having carried his close friend and mentor, industrialist Sunjay Kapur, on his final journey. Kapur, the chairman of the Rs 31,000 crore auto components firm, tragically passed away on June 12 during a polo match in London. Reflecting on a bond that went far beyond boardroom ties, Singh’s words echo the depth of his loss.
A Friendship Cemented in Trust and Admiration
Vikram Singh, who currently steers operations at Sona Comstar, turned to social media X (formerly Twitter) to convey his grief. He wrote:
“Yesterday, I had the heartbreak of shouldering my best friend on his final journey — a man who was always prouder of my achievements than I ever was. If everyone had even one such friend, the world would be a kinder, better place. May you rest in peace, Sunjay.”
The poignancy of the message lies in its portrayal of Kapur’s humility and affection—qualities that Singh clearly cherished. The CEO’s reliance on the image of carrying Kapur’s pallbearer coffin symbolizes not only physical support but the profound personal and professional bond they shared.
Mentor, Leader, Friend
The relationship between Kapur and Singh was far more than hierarchical. In November 2024, Kapur publicly commended Singh’s leadership at Sona Comstar, writing:
“So proud of you, Vivek! … A well‑deserved recognition for your leadership at Sona Comstar. Congrats, once again, and more power to you!”
This public acknowledgment was not just encouragement—it was emblematic of mutual respect. Over the years, Singh rose through the ranks under Kapur’s guidance, ultimately succeeding as Chief Executive. Their camaraderie blended boardroom professionalism with personal warmth, strengthening the firm’s drive toward global excellence.
Sunjay Kapur’s Sudden Demise
Kapur, 53, collapsed on June 12 while playing polo at Windsor, England—a sport he loved dearly. Witnesses noted he had swallowed something moments before collapsing. Reports suggest a fatal heart attack, possibly triggered by anaphylactic shock from a bee sting Theologically, he was competing in the elite Queen’s Cup tournament
A U.S. citizen by birth, educated at Doon School, University of Buckingham, MIT, and Harvard, Kapur was a global business leader and philanthropist. Following his death, the company stock dropped 7%, and discussions began around inheritance and succession
Legacy and Leadership at Sona Comstar
Under Kapur’s leadership, Sona Comstar transformed from a regional presence into a global automotive-technology powerhouse. Its market cap reached Rs 31,000 crore under his steering linkedin.com+12youtube.com+12indiatimes.com+12. His tenure saw the company tackle electric vehicle innovation and complete one of India’s largest auto-components IPOs, in collaboration with Blackstone investments autocarpro.in.
Beyond boardroom successes, Kapur was known for grace in leadership—insisting on humane engagement, from senior executives to entry-level employees autocarpro.in. He was admired for balancing high-stakes business decisions with personal connection and mentorship.
The Bond: Why Singh’s Tribute Resonates
Singh’s choice of words—“shouldering my best friend”—is steeped in symbolism. As pallbearer and CEO, Singh physically carried the legacy and the moment. More than ceremony, the phrase paints a vivid picture of shared journeys across leadership, adversity, and aspiration.
Singh’s tribute underscores empathetic leadership and the power of genuine relationships amidst high‑stakes industry roles—a loss that extends far beyond financial figures or corporate succession plans.
Industry and Personal Reactions
Tributes poured in from across the automotive and business realms:
- Anish Chanana, an industry veteran, remembered, “Words are not enough to pen down a friendship that goes back three decades… He was a loving husband to Priya, and a doting father to all his children”—a reflection of Kapur’s personal warmth
- Professional circles mourned the void left by Kapur’s sudden exit—from his dynamism in polo to his relentless advocacy for EV technology .
Even Britain’s polo elite—where Kapur commanded respect—publicly lamented the loss of a passionate player and champion.
Looking Ahead: Sona Comstar’s Path Forward
With Kapur’s passing, Sona Comstar faces both a leadership vacuum and strategic crossroads. While the board, family, and senior management are expected to coordinate his succession, the company must maintain momentum in EV technology and global expansion .
Singh, stepping out from Kapur’s mentorship to become the firm’s public face, will bear significant expectations. His combination of professional acumen and emotional intelligence promises stability—and perhaps, a continuation of the values Kapur embodied.
In Conclusion: Beyond Loss, Legacy Lives On
Vikram Singh’s moving tribute is more than an expression of personal sorrow—it’s a lens into an extraordinary bond built on trust, respect, and shared vision. By carrying the man who elevated him, Singh carried a legacy onward.
Today, as Sona Comstar navigates future challenges, Sunjay Kapur’s values—compassion, innovation, humility—remain embedded in its journey. In remembering his vibrant spirit, we find not just an industrialist remembered, but a friendship that shaped a leader and, by extension, the company he built. Singh’s tribute captures that—a heartfelt acknowledgment that some burdens we carry in life are heavier and more meaningful than any award or board resolution.
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