Thapa’s health reportedly deteriorated suddenly while he was undergoing treatment at Norvic International Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu. According to hospital authorities, he was brought in unconscious, and doctors confirmed his death at 7:44 am after an electrocardiogram (ECG). Rajendra Bahadur Singh, chairperson of Norvic Hospital, confirmed that cardiac arrest was the cause of death, as reported by The Kathmandu Post.
A towering figure in Nepali cinema, Sunil Thapa had a career spanning several decades and worked across Nepali, Hindi, Bhojpuri and regional film industries. He acted in more than 300 Nepali films, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile and enduring performers.
Thapa gained iconic status in Nepal for his portrayal of the antagonist ‘Raat Kaila’ in the film Chino, a role that established him as one of the most memorable villains in Nepali film history. His other notable Nepali films include Rainko and Sapana, which further cemented his standing as a veteran actor.
In India, Thapa was best recognised for his performance in Mary Kom, where he played the stern yet empathetic coach to Priyanka Chopra’s character. The role brought him wider international recognition and earned him a Filmfare nomination, a rare distinction for a Nepali actor working in Hindi cinema. More recently, he appeared as David in the upcoming web series The Family Man 3.
Beyond Mary Kom, Thapa featured in several Hindi films, including Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Galti Sirf Tumhari (2017) and Khamiyaja (2019). He also acted in the Bhojpuri film Sher-E-Hindustan (2019), sharing screen space with actor Dinesh Lal Yadav, popularly known as Nirahua.
Before entering the film industry, Thapa had a diverse professional background. He played professional football for clubs in Bombay and also worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman) in the early phase of his career. He later served as chairperson of the Everest Film Academy, contributing to film education and mentoring young talent.
Sunil Thapa was living in Kathmandu at the time of his death, while members of his family reside in Mumbai. His last screen appearance was in the film Eklo. Tributes from across Nepal’s film fraternity and beyond are expected as the industry mourns the loss of one of its most respected artistes.
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