Fresh filings in the high-stakes inheritance dispute over late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s massive estate are revealing a more complex relationship between him and his ex-wife, Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor, than was previously known. According to documents and WhatsApp chats submitted in the Delhi High Court, the former couple maintained personal discussions, with Sunjay even assisting Karisma and their two children in a bid to secure Portuguese citizenship.
The new evidence, which has been annexed to the civil suit filed by Karisma’s children, suggests that Sunjay was actively working on securing overseas nationality for the family. One chat cited in the suit shows him telling Karisma that she would need to give up her Indian citizenship to obtain a Portuguese passport, as India does not permit dual citizenship.
This new information comes as the legal battle over Kapur’s estimated Rs 30,000 crore estate intensifies. On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court issued a notice in a civil suit filed by Karisma Kapoor’s children, who are seeking their rightful share of their father’s fortune. The lawsuit alleges that their stepmother, Priya Sachdeva Kapur, forged a will to gain complete control of all of Sunjay’s assets.
In court, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing Karisma’s children, argued that the will was unregistered, had not been disclosed earlier, and was read “in haste” at the Taj Hotel. He highlighted “suspicious circumstances,” noting that the executor of the will reportedly learned of its existence just a day prior and that its disclosure came from a family employee.
In a heated exchange, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Priya Kapur, countered the claims, stating that the suit is not maintainable. He told the court that the plaintiffs had already received assets worth ₹1,900 crore just days before the lawsuit was filed, arguing, “It’s not as if these people are left on the streets. I am a widow with a six-year-old child. For 15 years, they were nowhere to be seen.”
The court has directed Priya Sachdeva Kapur to submit a complete list of all movable and immovable assets of the deceased and has set the next hearing for October 9. Sunjay Kapur’s mother, Rani Kapur, also raised objections through her lawyer, stating, “There’s something unholy going on. I am 80 years old and concerned about my grandchildren… Despite repeated mails, I never received a copy of the will.”
The Delhi High Court, while acknowledging the sensitive nature of the case, noted that the “doctrine of lis will apply” once the suit is registered and will examine all materials as the case progresses.