The Wives and Wealth of Sanjay Kapur: Who Inherited Billions, and Who Was Left Behind?

Glitz, Glamour, and the Shadows of Legacy

When industrialist Sanjay Kapur passed away, headlines blazed with the staggering figure of his personal wealth—an estimated ₹10,300 crore (over $1.2 billion). But beyond the numbers, the story that unfolded was one of love, heartbreak, ambition, and the tangled destinies of the three women who shared his life as wives. In a world where fortunes can change with a signature, Sanjay Kapur’s legacy became a tale of who inherited what, who was left yearning, and how wealth can both unite and divide.

This is not just a story about money. It is a portrait of three remarkable women—Nandita Mahtani, Karisma Kapoor, and Priya Sachdev—each with her own journey, her own battles, and her own place in the Kapur saga. As the dust settles on Sanjay Kapur’s empire, we look at how his billions were divided, and what it means for those he left behind.

Nandita Mahtani: The First Lady, The Fashion Mogul

Sanjay Kapur’s first marriage was to Nandita Mahtani, a name that resonates with style and sophistication in the Indian fashion industry. Born into a powerful business family, Nandita was never just a wife—she was a force in her own right. Her clientele included Bollywood’s biggest stars, from Virat Kohli to some of the most glamorous names in the industry. Her sharp business acumen and creative flair made her a sought-after stylist and entrepreneur.

But behind the scenes, her marriage to Sanjay Kapur was brief, lasting only four or five years. The reasons for their parting remain private, but both moved on—Nandita, in particular, continued to make headlines, not just for her work but for her relationships with Bollywood’s eligible bachelors. From Ranbir Kapoor to Dino Morea, and more recently, her engagement to Vidyut Jammwal, Nandita’s personal life has been as vibrant as her professional one.

Despite her business success—her current net worth stands at around ₹129 crore (approximately $15 million)—Nandita received nothing from Sanjay Kapur’s vast fortune after their divorce. There were no properties, no bonds, no monthly allowances. She walked away with her independence and her ambition, but not a penny from the Kapur empire.

Nandita’s story is a testament to resilience: she built her own legacy, never relying on her ex-husband’s billions to define her worth.

Karisma Kapoor: The Bollywood Princess and the Price of Divorce

Sanjay Kapur’s second marriage brought even more media attention, for his bride was none other than Karisma Kapoor—Bollywood royalty, daughter of the legendary Kapoor family. Their union was the talk of the town, a merging of two powerful dynasties: the industrial might of the Kapurs and the cinematic glory of the Kapoors.

Karisma was already a star when she married Sanjay, and her own net worth was impressive—currently estimated at ₹120 crore (about $14 million). But the marriage, despite its fairytale beginnings, was fraught with challenges. The couple eventually divorced, and the settlement became a subject of public fascination.

In the aftermath, Sanjay Kapur provided Karisma with a luxury flat in Mumbai, ensuring she and their children would have a secure home. For their children, he set aside bonds worth ₹14 crore, safeguarding their financial future. Karisma herself received a monthly alimony of ₹1 lakh—a significant sum, but a drop in the ocean compared to Sanjay’s total wealth.

Karisma’s experience reflects the complexities of high-profile divorces in India: while she received support, the lion’s share of the Kapur fortune remained out of reach. Yet, like Nandita, Karisma continued to thrive on her own terms, balancing motherhood, acting, and business ventures with grace and determination.

Priya Sachdev: The Third Wife, The Heiress of an Empire

If the stories of Nandita and Karisma are about independence and survival, Priya Sachdev’s is about inheritance—and the immense responsibility that comes with it.

Priya, a successful businesswoman in her own right, entered Sanjay Kapur’s life after her own high-profile divorce from Vikram Chatwal, with whom she shares a daughter. In 2015, she married Sanjay, and together they had a son. Unlike his previous marriages, this union was marked by a deep professional partnership: Priya was not just Sanjay’s wife, but also his business confidante, actively involved in his ventures.

When Sanjay Kapur passed away, it was Priya who inherited the bulk of his empire. The board of SONA, the company Sanjay once helmed as managing director, appointed her as a non-executive partner. The official statement left no doubt: Priya Sachdev was now the legal owner and steward of the Kapur fortune, valued at ₹10,300 crore.

This inheritance made Priya not just wealthier than Nandita and Karisma, but one of the richest women in India.

The Emotional Undercurrents: More Than Just Money

Behind the headlines and the numbers, there is a deeper story—a story of love, loss, and the search for belonging. Each of Sanjay Kapur’s wives entered his life at a different time, with different dreams and expectations. For Nandita, it was a youthful romance that ended quickly, propelling her into the world of business and fashion. For Karisma, it was a union of equals, shadowed by public scrutiny and the pressures of fame. For Priya, it was a partnership built on mutual trust and shared ambition.

The way Sanjay’s wealth was distributed is not just a matter of legal documents; it is a reflection of relationships, choices, and the unpredictable nature of life itself. Nandita, despite her early role in his life, received nothing. Karisma, the mother of his children, was provided for but not made a partner in his legacy. Priya, his companion in his final years, became the guardian of his empire.

It’s a reminder that in the world of the ultra-wealthy, love and money are often intertwined—but not always in ways that are fair or expected.

The Children: Heirs to Two Worlds

Central to this story are the children—those born of Sanjay’s marriages to Karisma and Priya. For Karisma’s children, the ₹14 crore in bonds will provide security, but they remain outside the direct line of succession to the Kapur business empire. For Priya’s son, the future is different: he stands to inherit not just wealth, but the responsibility of managing a legacy that spans industries and generations.

The decisions made in Sanjay’s final days—appointing Priya as the sole owner, ensuring his children with Karisma are provided for—reflect both affection and pragmatism. But they also set the stage for future questions: How will this wealth shape the lives of his children? Will it unite them, or drive new wedges between the families?

The Public Reaction: Envy, Sympathy, and Speculation

As news of the inheritance spread, the public responded with a mix of fascination, envy, and sympathy. Some saw Priya’s ascension as a modern fairy tale—a woman who, after her own struggles, became the queen of a vast empire. Others sympathized with Nandita and Karisma, who, despite their own achievements, were left on the margins of Sanjay’s legacy.

Social media buzzed with speculation: Why did Nandita receive nothing? Was Karisma’s settlement fair? Would Priya share her newfound wealth with her husband’s other children? The answers, for now, remain locked behind closed doors.

The Legacy of Sanjay Kapur: Lessons in Love and Power

Sanjay Kapur’s life was a tapestry of ambition, love, and reinvention. His marriages reflected the changing face of Indian society—where women are no longer defined solely by their husbands, but by their own accomplishments and choices. Yet, his will and the distribution of his wealth reveal the enduring power of tradition, and the ways in which old hierarchies still shape new realities.

For Nandita, the lesson is one of self-reliance. For Karisma, it is about dignity and moving forward. For Priya, it is about stewardship and the challenge of honoring a legacy while forging her own path.

Beyond the Billions

In the end, the story of Sanjay Kapur and his three wives is about more than money. It is about the unpredictable journey of life, the bonds that endure, and the dreams that survive even when fortunes change.

As Priya Sachdev steps into her new role as the heiress of a billion-dollar empire, as Karisma Kapoor continues to shine in her own right, and as Nandita Mahtani redefines success on her own terms, their stories remind us that wealth may open doors, but it is character, courage, and love that leave a lasting legacy.

In a world obsessed with numbers, it is these human stories—of hope, heartbreak, and resilience—that truly matter.

If you found this story moving, share it with those who believe that behind every fortune, there are tales of struggle, triumph, and the enduring power of the human spirit.