Late veteran actor Sunil Thapa, remembered for his powerful and iconic roles in Nepali cinema.
Nepali cinema has lost one of its most commanding and influential performers. Veteran actor Sunil Thapa passed away on Friday morning at the age of 68 after suffering a heart attack. He breathed his last at Norvic International Hospital, where he was rushed in an unconscious state.
Confirming the news, Mohan Niraula, President of the Film Artists Association of Nepal, said Thapa was brought to the hospital early in the morning following a sudden cardiac arrest. Doctors conducted an ECG shortly after arrival, which confirmed his death.
Thapa had been living alone in an apartment in Shankhamul, Kathmandu, while his wife, son, and daughter currently reside in Mumbai, India. Family members are expected to arrive in Nepal for final rites.
A Villain Who Changed Nepali Cinema
For generations of audiences, Sunil Thapa was not just a villain, you felt his presence. His most iconic role, Ratey Kaila from the 1989 film Chino, redefined negative characters in Nepali films. The role was intense, layered and terrifyingly real, setting a new standard for antagonist performances.
At a time when villains were often one-dimensional, Thapa brought psychology, silence, rage, and realism to the screen. His portrayal earned him respect equal to leading heroes and made him one of the most sought-after character actors in the industry.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Sunil Thapa appeared in dozens of Nepali films, including Deuki, Prabhisha, Thuldai, Aago, Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni Badri, Yo Maya Ko Sagar, Jetho Kancho, Basanta Ritu, and Karma Yoodha. His most recent Nepali film appearance was Eklo and He made a strong appearance in the spy thriller ‘The Family Man 3’ Amazon Prime Video Series.
From Football Fields to Film Sets
Before films, Sunil Thapa lived many lives. Born with a passion for sports, he was a professional footballer in Bombay during his youth. In the mid-1970s, he began his career in Mumbai as a model, working with major fabric brands.
He also worked as a photojournalist for Junior Statesman (JS Magazine) and notably covered the Bhutan Coronation in 1974, long before stepping fully into cinema.
A Cross-Border Career
Sunil Thapa made his Bollywood debut in the classic ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’ (1981). He went on to act in Hindi films such as Aaj Ki Awaaz, Manav Hatya, Albela, Naseebwaala, and Bandhu, building a solid foundation in Indian cinema.
Indian audiences rediscovered him in ‘Mary Kom’ (2014), where he played M. Narjit Singh, the coach of boxer Mary Kom (played by Priyanka Chopra). The role earned him a Filmfare Award nomination, bringing him renewed recognition beyond Nepal.
Apart from Nepali and Hindi cinema, Thapa also worked in Tamil, Bhojpuri, and Telugu films, including Bhojpuri hits like Border, Nirahua Chalal London, Sher-E-Hindustan, and the Telugu film Mirai (2025).
A Beloved Face on Television
Sunil Thapa also left a strong mark on Nepali television. From 2006 to 2017, he played Sher Singh Mama in the iconic comedy series Meri Bassai, surprising audiences with his warm humor and comic timing. Since 2019, he appeared in the TV series Dear Jindagi.
He also served as the Chairperson of Everest Film Academy, mentoring and guiding young talents in the film industry.
Tributes Pour In
Condolences and tributes have poured in from across Nepal and India. The Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) shared a tribute message, while Darjeeling MP Raju Bista remembered Thapa as a bridge between Nepali and Indian cinema. Actors, filmmakers, and fans continue to revisit his unforgettable roles and scenes on social media.
Sunil Thapa’s death leaves a deep void in Nepali cinema. But his legacy, especially as Ratey Kaila will continue to live on, reminding generations that even darkness on screen can be unforgettable when performed with truth.
Sunil Thapa (1957–2026)
Gone from the screen, never from memory.
