Actor Sunil Thapa died in Kathmandu at the age of 68 after suffering a cardiac arrest. He worked extensively across Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri cinema. Among his most notable roles was playing Priyanka Chopra’s coach in Mary Kom. A formal announcement will be made once his family members reach Kathmandu.
He began his film career with the Bollywood movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in Nepali cinema, especially for his villainous roles. His versatility and dedication helped shape the industry for more than four decades.
A hospital source told The Kathmandu Post, “He was unconscious when he was brought in. An ECG was done immediately, which confirmed his death.” Doctors suspect a cardiac arrest, but an official medical report is pending.
NOTABLE ROLES
Born in Dang, Nepal, Thapa appeared in over 300 Nepali films. He was widely known for his role as Rate Kaila in the cult classic Chino (1991), which remains one of the most iconic performances in Nepali film history. His presence on screen left a lasting impact on audiences and colleagues alike.
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INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND LATER WORKS
Thapa’s international recognition grew following his role as coach Narjit Singh in the 2014 film Mary Kom, where he starred alongside Priyanka Chopra. This performance earned him acclaim beyond Nepal and cemented his status in the South Asian film landscape.
Before turning to acting, Thapa began his career as a model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s. He later transitioned into films, making notable appearances in both Hindi and regional cinema.
His recent work included a brief appearance as David Khuzou in The Family Man Season 3, portraying a respected leader and MCA chief in Nagaland.
LEGACY IN FILMS
Throughout his career, Thapa received several accolades, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal twice. He also served as chairman of Everest Film Academy, contributing to the development and mentorship in the film fraternity.
Known for seamlessly moving between villainous and mentor roles, Thapa was admired for his adaptability across genres and languages.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.indiatoday.in ’
