Recent court documents in the ongoing succession battle over late businessman Sunjay Kapur’s properties have unearthed a contentious step—a move by Sunjay to secure Portuguese nationality for his ex-wife, actress Karisma Kapoor, and their two children, Samaira and Kiaan. But Karisma rejected the gesture, according to her lawyer Mahesh Jethmalani.
Speaking to Republic World in an interview, Jethmalani said, “That’s one of the suspicious situations because there is definite proof that towards the end of May this year, which is two months after the will was really carried out, he was attempting to attain Portuguese citizenship, definitely for his children, and perhaps even Karisma Kapoor.” He further added that Karisma turned down the offer after she was told that it would mean she would have to relinquish her Indian citizenship.
The Tax Implication Behind the Decision
The underlying reason behind the move of citizenship seems to be taxation. As Jethmalani has told us, Sunjay was “toying with the idea” of Portuguese nationality for his children because he wanted to avoid paying inheritance tax on foreign properties, as there is no inheritance tax in Portugal. He commented, “It is a bit surprising that in May 2025, you are attempting to establish citizenship for your children to save on inheritance tax… when a will allegedly made in March 2025 distributes all foreign properties to Mrs Priya Sachdev.”
The inconsistency has now emerged as a major point in the court fight, with Karisma’s children raising questions about the existence and intentions of the will.
Fight Over the Will and Forgery Charges
After Sunjay Kapur’s death, a fight over the inheritance has broken out amongst his kin. Karisma Kapoor’s son Samaira and daughter Kiaan have moved the Delhi High Court, claiming their stepmother Priya Sachdev had forged the will. Their petition states that they have not seen the original document or even been given a copy and assert that the will is illegal and invalid.
In another turn of events, Priya Sachdev’s daughter Safira has allegedly relinquished her surname ‘Chatwal’ and taken ‘Kapur’ a step many view as strategic in laying claim to inheritance.
Allegations by Sunjay’s Sister
Adding fuel to the increasing controversy, Sunjay’s sister Mandhira Kapur has alleged that the board of Sona Comstar intimidated their mother into signing papers. She alleges the board members took her mother into a room and forced her to sign without an explanation.
