Sunil Thapa
Sunil Thapa | |
|---|---|
सुनील थापा | |
| Born | 19 May 1957 |
| Died | 7 February 2026 (aged 68) Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Other names | Ratey Kaila Sher Singh/Dinesh Lamichhane |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–2025 |
| Spouse | Rajani Limbu (Thapa) |
| Children | 2 |
Sunil Thapa (Nepali: सुनील थापा; 19 May 1957 – 7 February 2026) was a Nepalese actor[2][3][4] who appeared in Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri films. He began his career with the Bollywood film Ek Duuje Ke Liye.[5] He later appeared in notable productions including Mary Kom (2014), in which he played boxing coach Narjit Singh, and the web series The Family Man 3.[6]
Thapa was widely known for his villainous and character roles, particularly in Nepali cinema, where he redefined the portrayal of antagonists. His most iconic role was as 'Rate Kaila' in the cult classic Chino (1989). Other notable Nepali films include Gorkha Paltan, Shikari, Papi Manche, Mukhauta, and Captain.[7] He won several awards, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal twice, and served as chairman of Everest Film Academy, mentoring emerging talent.[8]
Career
Thapa started his modelling career in 1974 in Mumbai (then Bombay), with Binny's and Mafatlal Fabrics.
He was also involved in sports and played professional football for ICL Club Bombay and Orkay's Sports Club.
Thapa worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman) and covered the Bhutan Coronation in 1974.[9][10]
Death
Thapa died in Kathmandu on 7 February 2026, at the age of 68.[11] He was found unconscious at his residence and rushed to Norvic Hospital, Thapathali, where doctors declared him dead.[12] A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack, which led to cardiac arrest.[13]
His death was widely mourned across the Nepali film industry, where he was regarded as one of the most influential character actors, particularly known for redefining antagonist roles in Nepali cinema.[14]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Ek Duuje Ke Liye | Hindi | ||
| 1982 | Aaj Ki Awaaz | Hindi | ||
| 1982 | Mashaal | Nepali | ||
| 1986 | Manav Hatya | Police Constable Bajirao Kale | Hindi | |
| 1989 | Chino | Rate Kaila | Nepali | |
| 1989 | Manu The Great | Hindi | ||
| 1989 | Albela | Hindi | ||
| 1991 | Deuki | Nepali | ||
| 1992 | Naseebwaala | Hindi | ||
| 1992 | Bandhu | Inspector | Hindi/Bengali | |
| 1994 | Prabhisha | Nepali | ||
| 1999 | Thuldai | Nepali | ||
| 2000 | Aago | Nepali | ||
| 2000 | Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni Badri | Nepali | ||
| 2000 | Yo Maya Ko Sagar | Pitambar | Nepali | |
| 2003 | Jetho Kancho | Birkhe Saau | Nepali | |
| 2004 | Basanta Ritu | Ranveer Singh | Nepali | |
| 2005 | Karma Yoodha | Dharanidhar | Nepali | |
| 2006–2017 | Meri Bassai | Sher Singh Mama | Nepali | TV series |
| 2007 | Raghubir | Birat | Nepali | |
| 2008 | Kanoon | Mantri Satya Prakash | Nepali | |
| 2009 | God Lives in the Himalayas | Nepali | ||
| 2014 | Mary Kom | M. Narjit Singh | Hindi | |
| 2015 | 10 Endrathukulla | Lawyer | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Sarkar Raj | Bhojpuri | ||
| 2018 | Border | Bhojpuri | ||
| 2019 | Nirahua Chalal London | Vishabhar Singh | Bhojpuri | |
| 2019–20?? | Dear Jindagi | Nepali | TV series | |
| 2019 | Sher-E-Hindustan | Bhojpuri | ||
| 2022 | Prem Geet 3 | Nepali | ||
| 2025 | Mirai | Telugu |
References
- ^ "Kurakani Shalabh Sanga (Sunil Thapa) - Episode 2 - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
- ^ "Biography of Sunil Thapa; An antagonist in reel life".
- ^ "Most popular villain Sunil Thapa".
- ^ "Actor Sunil Thapa making comeback with Sher Bahadur". Retrieved 8 January 2018.
- ^ "'Mary Kom' actor Sunil Thapa passes away at the age of 68". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ "'Mary Kom' actor Sunil Thapa passes away at the age of 68". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ "Sunil Thapa, a towering presence in Nepali cinema, passes away". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
- ^ "Everest Film Academy – Follow Your Passion". Everest Film Academy. 22 August 2022.
- ^ Ganesan, Ranjita (23 August 2014). "Why Priyanka Chopra was picked to play Mary Kom". Business Standard India. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ^ "Nepali Actor Sunil Thapa in Bhansali's Film With Priyanka Chopra". 13 June 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
- ^ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa passes away". The Kathmandu Post. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ "Sunil Thapa's body to undergo post-mortem". Ratopati. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa dies at 68". Khabarhub. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
- ^ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa passes away". The Kathmandu Post. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
External links
- Sunil Thapa at IMDb
- Sunil Thapa on Facebook