Karishma Kapoor’s ex-mother-in-law accuses Priya Sachdev of manipulating her into signing documents

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Karisma Kapoor’s Ex-Mother-in-Law Accuses Priya Sachdev of Manipulation Amid Sanjay Kapoor Succession Battle

Introduction: A Billion-Dollar Empire in Turmoil

The world of Indian business and Bollywood is abuzz with controversy as a high-stakes succession battle erupts following the death of billionaire industrialist Sanjay Kapoor. With an empire reportedly worth ₹30,000 crore, the Kapoor family finds itself embroiled in a bitter power struggle. At the center of this storm are Sanjay Kapoor’s third wife, Priya Sachdev, and his mother, Rani Kapoor, who has publicly accused Priya of manipulating her into signing crucial documents during a time of grief.

This unfolding drama, involving inheritance claims, changing surnames, and family alliances, has captivated the nation, shedding light on the complexities of legacy, trust, and the darker side of immense wealth.

The Sudden Death of Sanjay Kapoor

On June 12, 2025, news broke that Sanjay Kapoor, a prominent billionaire and scion of the Kapoor business dynasty, had passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53. He suffered a fatal allergic reaction after a bee sting during a polo match in the UK. His sudden demise left not just his family, but the entire business community, in shock.

Sanjay Kapoor was more than just a successful businessman; he was the torchbearer of a legacy started by his father, who founded Sona Comstar, a company that has since grown into a corporate giant. Sanjay had assumed the directorship in 2006, leading the company through a period of massive growth and expansion. His passing triggered immediate questions about the future of the business and who would inherit control over the vast empire.

Marriages, Children, and Changing Alliances

Sanjay Kapoor’s personal life was as complex as his business empire. He was married three times. His first marriage, to Nandita in 1996, ended in divorce in 2000. He then married Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor in 2003. The couple had two children: daughter Samaira and son Kiaan. Their marriage, however, ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 2016.

Just a year later, in 2017, Sanjay married Priya Sachdev, a socialite and entrepreneur. This was Priya’s second marriage; she has a daughter, Safira, from her previous marriage to Vikram Chatwal. With Sanjay, Priya had a son, Azarius. Thus, Sanjay Kapoor left behind four children from different relationships, further complicating the question of succession.

The Succession Battle Begins

With Sanjay Kapoor’s death, the question of who would control the ₹30,000 crore empire became urgent. The situation was further complicated by changing surnames and shifting family dynamics. Priya Sachdev, who previously used her maiden name on social media, began using the Kapoor surname. Her daughter, Safira, also dropped the Chatwal surname from her online profiles, although she could not officially adopt the Kapoor name.

Observers speculated that these changes were strategic, aimed at strengthening claims to the family fortune and avoiding any technicalities that could weaken their position in the succession battle. The matter came to a head during the annual general meeting of Sona Comstar in July 2025, when Priya Sachdev was appointed as a non-executive director of the company.

Rani Kapoor’s Explosive Allegations

Rani Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor’s mother and a stakeholder in Sona Comstar, was not pleased with Priya’s appointment. She made a public statement alleging that, following her son’s death, she was in a state of shock and grief, during which time she was manipulated into signing certain documents. According to Rani, these documents paved the way for others to gain control of the company—something she claims she never intended.

Her emotional statement resonated with many:
“I still don’t know what happened to my son. I am old now and I need closure before I go. I may be old and frail, but my memory of being with my husband when Sona was set up is strong. I remember the early days of Sona, built with care, sacrifice, and love. I am here to remind the world that a family legacy must not be lost. It must be passed on as my husband always wanted it to be.”

Rani Kapoor’s plea was clear—she wanted the company’s legacy to remain within the family, as originally intended by her late husband. She also requested that the company refrain from appointing any new directors until the matter was resolved.

The Legal and Emotional Stakes

The succession dispute quickly escalated into a legal and emotional confrontation. Rani Kapoor’s two daughters, Sanjay’s sisters, also have stakes in the company, and sources suggest that Rani would prefer the company’s control to pass to them, or at least remain within her side of the family.

The internet has been rife with speculation about who has the strongest legal claim to Sanjay Kapoor’s assets. In India, the law typically gives the wife a stronger claim compared to other family members. However, since Sona Comstar was established by Rani Kapoor’s husband, she also has a legitimate stake in the company.

Priya Sachdev’s in-laws have made it clear they are unhappy with her appointment as non-executive director. Rani Kapoor has gone so far as to suggest that the circumstances of Sanjay’s death were suspicious, adding another layer of intrigue to an already complex situation.

Karisma Kapoor’s Role and the Settlement

Karisma Kapoor, Sanjay’s ex-wife, was initially rumored to be making a claim on the estate. However, it was later clarified that all matters between her and Sanjay were settled at the time of their divorce. Karisma received the property due to her as part of the settlement, and Sanjay also created a ₹14 crore bond in the names of their two children, along with a monthly maintenance of ₹1 lakh for each child.

While Karisma herself is not making any new claims, sources close to her say she is closely watching the proceedings to ensure her children’s interests are protected. If necessary, her children could potentially build a case for their share in the future.

Past Controversies and Family Patterns

The relationship between Karisma Kapoor and her ex-mother-in-law, Rani Kapoor, was once highly controversial. Their past was marred by public disputes and mutual distrust, especially during Karisma’s tumultuous marriage and divorce from Sanjay Kapoor. Karisma had accused Sanjay and his family of abuse and violence, allegations that made headlines and drew public sympathy.

Interestingly, the current scenario sees Karisma and Rani Kapoor seemingly on the same side, united by a common concern over the family legacy and the future of Sanjay’s children. This unlikely alliance highlights the unpredictable nature of family dynamics, especially when vast fortunes are at stake.

The Pattern of Power and Control

The Kapoor family’s history is replete with stories of power struggles, control, and manipulation—particularly when it comes to marriages and relationships. Karisma’s own marriage to Sanjay was arranged at a time when her engagement to Abhishek Bachchan was called off, reportedly due to family interference and concerns over financial status.

This pattern has repeated itself in other cases within the extended Kapoor family, with allegations of controlling behavior, strategic marriages, and opportunistic decisions aimed at preserving or expanding the family’s wealth and influence.

The Present Power Struggle

Today, the battle lines are drawn. On one side are Priya Sachdev and her children, including stepdaughter Safira and son Azarius. On the other are Rani Kapoor and her daughters, with Karisma Kapoor and her children’s interests also in the background.

The public nature of this dispute, with statements and counter-statements issued through the media, has only added to the drama. Rani Kapoor’s claim that she was deceived into signing away control of the company is particularly explosive, raising questions about ethics, legality, and the vulnerability of the elderly in high-stakes family feuds.

The Road Ahead: Uncertainty and Watchful Eyes

As the battle for succession unfolds, the future of Sona Comstar and the Kapoor family legacy hangs in the balance. Legal experts predict a protracted court battle, with each side determined to assert its claim. The outcome will not only determine the fate of a ₹30,000 crore empire but will also set a precedent for similar cases in India’s business families.

For now, the public watches with fascination—and a measure of sadness—as a family once united by love and ambition is torn apart by suspicion and rivalry.

Conclusion: Lessons from a Family Feud

The ongoing dispute in the Kapoor family serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of wealth, the fragility of trust, and the importance of clear succession planning. As Rani Kapoor poignantly reminded the world, a family legacy is built on care, sacrifice, and love—but it can be threatened by greed, manipulation, and unresolved grievances.

As the legal process continues, one can only hope that wisdom, fairness, and compassion will ultimately prevail, ensuring that the Kapoor legacy is preserved for generations to come.

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