The battle for one of India’s most closely guarded fortunes has reached the courtroom. Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor, children of actress Karisma Kapoor and industrialist Sunjay Kapur, have approached the High Court to secure their claim over their father’s vast empire. The estimated worth? Nearly ₹30,000 crore — spanning listed companies, real estate, and luxury assets.
Fortune (₹30,000 crore)
The empire at the center of the battle is valued at nearly ₹30,000 crore. It consists of Sona Group’s global auto business, high-value real estate in Delhi, Mumbai, London, and New York, plus financial investments and luxury assets. The scale makes it one of India’s largest family-linked fortunes, putting immense pressure on succession clarity.
Sona Group
The jewel of the Kapur empire, Sona Group’s listed arm Sona BLW Precision Forgings alone has a market capitalization exceeding ₹40,000 crore. With operations in multiple countries, control of the group is not just about money but also about business power, boardroom influence, and global reputation. Whoever inherits equity in this group wields long-term control.
Claimants
There are three primary heirs: Samaira and Kiaan Raj Kapoor (children of Karisma and Sunjay), and Safira Kapur (daughter of Sunjay and Priya Sachdev). Alongside them, Priya Sachdev herself, as the current spouse, has inheritance rights. Each stands on equal legal footing unless a will dictates otherwise. This makes the division more complex than a simple split.
Divorce Settlement
Karisma Kapoor’s 2016 divorce settlement reportedly included financial provisions for her children. However, divorce does not erase inheritance rights. The High Court will need to determine whether the children’s claims go beyond that settlement. This keyword highlights the intersection of family law and succession law, a frequent source of conflict in blended families.
Hindu Succession Act
Under this law, all children are Class I heirs—whether born from a first or second marriage. The law gives Samaira, Kiaan, and Safira equal standing. Unless a valid will is produced, the estate will be divided equally between the children and the surviving spouse.
Will & Trusts
The existence of a will could change the equation dramatically. If Sunjay Kapur has left a registered will or structured family trusts, the distribution of wealth may not follow equal inheritance. Trust structures are often used in large business families to preserve control and prevent disputes, but they can also trigger court challenges if one side feels sidelined.
Real Estate
Valued at around ₹6,000 crore, the real estate portfolio includes iconic properties in India and abroad. Unlike shares, real estate cannot be easily divided, which often makes it the most contentious asset in inheritance disputes. For heirs, these properties carry both financial and symbolic value.
Business Control
The central tension is not just about money, but who controls the business. Even if all heirs get equal financial distribution, the battle over decision-making power at Sona Group could spark prolonged litigation. For investors, business control is more critical than the actual asset split.
Litigation
Inheritance battles in India can last for decades, with endless appeals. High-value cases like this attract intense media coverage, making litigation both a legal and reputational risk. If the parties fail to reach a family settlement, the matter could become a drawn-out court drama.