In the glare of public attention and the shadow of personal loss, Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor has found herself at the center of a high-stakes legal battle over the vast estate of her late ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur. The saga, which has unfolded since Sunjay’s sudden passing in June 2025, has become a focal point for both Bollywood watchers and legal analysts, as questions swirl about inheritance, family loyalty, and the resilience of those left behind.
On June 12, 2025, Sunjay Kapur, a prominent businessman and former husband of Karisma Kapoor, died unexpectedly in London. Reports indicate that he suffered a fatal heart attack while playing polo, with some sources noting the unusual detail that the heart attack was triggered by accidentally swallowing a bee. Sunjay’s death left behind not only a legacy but also a sprawling estate reportedly valued at around Rs 30,000 crore—a fortune that quickly became the subject of a heated legal dispute.
The central players in this unfolding drama are Sunjay’s widow, Priya Sachdev, and his two children with Karisma Kapoor, Samaira and Kiaan. As the legal guardian for her children, Karisma has been thrust into the spotlight, navigating the complexities of both public scrutiny and private grief. The children, represented by Karisma, have filed a case in the Delhi High Court, alleging that Priya forged Sunjay’s will. According to court documents and statements, the will in question was executed on March 21, 2025, and was presented by Priya at a family meeting on July 30, just weeks after Sunjay’s death.
The children’s legal filings claim that Sunjay had “repeatedly assured” them of their rightful share in his estate—a share that appears to be missing from the will Priya produced. Their lawyer, senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, did not mince words in court, likening Priya to the infamous stepmother from the tale of Cinderella. “This is a Cinderella stepmother,” Jethmalani argued, “Who is really greedy? She has already got 60% of the assets, around 12% to her own son, and 75% of the trust. She was in such a hurry, she even started writing letters about Benami forms, which are used to decide beneficiaries of companies.”
Jethmalani further questioned the legitimacy of the will, suggesting it was highly unlikely that Sunjay Kapur would have created such a document without consulting a legal expert, especially given the size and complexity of his estate. “It is not possible that Sunjay Kapur would not have consulted an advocate before creating a will and bequeathing such a large estate,” he told the court, according to reporting by Masala.com.
Priya Sachdev, for her part, has vigorously defended the will, insisting on its authenticity and dismissing the allegations of forgery. She told the court there is “nothing unusual in the bequest,” and pointed out that “obviously the present wife would be preferred over the estranged wife.” Her stance has only added fuel to the already intense public debate about the case, with opinions sharply divided over the rightful heirs to Sunjay’s fortune.
The dispute has also drawn in other family members. Sunjay’s sister, Mandira Kapur Smith, spoke candidly in an interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, placing blame on Priya for the collapse of her brother’s marriage to Karisma. “I had known about them (Priya and Sunjay) since they met on that flight, and I wasn’t happy about it. Lolo (Karisma) and Sanjay, my brother, were in a good place, actually. Kian was born. My brother was obsessed with his kids. I think for another woman to not care about a woman who’s just had a child is in bad taste. To come and disrupt a family is in bad taste. And I will leave it there. I think the world knows what I’m saying. You don’t break up a happy marriage. Not even a happy marriage, you don’t break up a marriage that is trying to work on keeping a family together. When you’ve got a child, you’ve just had another child, you step aside and say, ‘You know what?’ Or you encourage the man to go back and make it work. You don’t destroy a marriage. And Lolo did not deserve that. Lolo was also working very hard to make this marriage work. She did not deserve what came to her.”
As the legal wrangling continues, Karisma Kapoor has maintained a dignified silence in public, rarely commenting on the case or her personal challenges. Yet, on October 21, 2025, she offered a rare glimpse into her state of mind when she responded to a heartfelt Instagram post by filmmaker Khalid Mohamed. Mohamed, who directed Karisma in the acclaimed film Fiza and penned the screenplay for Zubeidaa, shared a nostalgic black-and-white photo of the actress with the caption: “Dear dear Lolo, always brave… Against all odds.” Karisma’s reply was simple but powerful—a string of emojis: folded hands, a white heart, and sparkles.
The post quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans, who flooded the comments with messages of encouragement. “Khalidji, your words made me so emotional. I wish @therealkarismakapoor the very best… I know she’s a strong woman,” wrote one fan. Another added, “Be strong Lolo, we love you.”
Observers have noted that Karisma’s understated response—eschewing lengthy statements in favor of a few well-chosen emojis—speaks volumes about her approach to adversity. As reported by Womansera, her gesture was seen as an acknowledgment of the support she continues to receive, even as she keeps a low profile on social media. “Her gesture on Instagram speaks a simple message: ‘Thank you. I see you. I remain strong.’ In the face of adversity, Karisma is not performing for the spotlight—she’s confirming quietly that she’s still standing.”
The legal dispute over Sunjay Kapur’s estate remains unresolved, with both sides vigorously defending their positions in court. For Karisma Kapoor and her children, the fight is as much about legacy and justice as it is about material wealth. For Priya Sachdev, it is a matter of upholding what she asserts is her late husband’s true intentions. And for the public, the case offers a window into the tangled intersections of family, fame, and fortune in modern India.
As the proceedings continue, one thing is clear: Karisma Kapoor’s quiet strength and the unwavering support of her fans have become a beacon amid the storm, reminding many that dignity and resilience can shine through even the most trying of times.
