Sunil Thapa

Sunil Thapa
सुनील थापा
Born(1957-05-19)19 May 1957
Dang, Nepal[1]
Died7 February 2026(2026-02-07) (aged 68)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Other namesRatey Kaila
Sher Singh/Dinesh Lamichhane
OccupationActor
Years active1974–2025
SpouseRajani Limbu (Thapa)
Children2

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]

Early life and career foundations

Sunil Thapa was born on 19 May 1957 in the Dang District of Nepal.[9][10] In his youth, he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay), India, where he initially pursued diverse career paths outside of traditional acting. In 1974, he established himself as a prominent mainstream model, working for major Indian textile brands including Binny's and Mafatlal Fabrics.

In addition to modeling, Thapa was a highly skilled athlete during his early adulthood, playing professional competitive football as a sportsman for elite Indian sports institutions including the ICL Club Bombay and the Orkay's Sports Club.[10]He simultaneously entered print media journalism, working as a professional photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman). In this capacity, he notably traveled to cover the official Coronation of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan, in 1974.[11] These experiences in modeling, athletics, and media photojournalism provided the foundation for his entry into commercial South Asian cinema, leading to his Bollywood acting debut in Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981).[10]

Death

Thapa died in Kathmandu on 7 February 2026, at the age of 68.[12] He was found unconscious at his residence and rushed to Norvic Hospital, Thapathali, where doctors declared him dead.[13] A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack, which led to cardiac arrest.[14]

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.[15]

Filmography

YearFilmRoleLanguageNotes
1981Ek Duuje Ke LiyeHindi
1982Aaj Ki AwaazHindi
1982MashaalNepali
1986Manav HatyaPolice Constable Bajirao KaleHindi
1989ChinooRate KailaNepali
1989Manu The GreatHindi
1989AlbelaHindi
1991DeukiNepali
1992NaseebwaalaHindi
1992BandhuInspectorHindi / Bengali
1994PrabhishaNepali
1999ThuldaiNepali
2000AagoNepali
2000Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni BadriNepali
2000Yo Maya Ko SagarPitambarNepali
2003Jetho KanchoBirkhe SaauNepali
2004Basanta RituRanveer SinghNepali
2005Karma YoodhaDharanidharNepali
2006–2017Meri BassaiSher Singh MamaNepaliTV series
2007RaghubirBiratNepali
2008KanoonMantri Satya PrakashNepali
2009God Lives in the HimalayasNepali
2014Mary KomM. Narjit SinghHindi
201510 EndrathukullaLawyerTamil
2017Sarkar RajBhojpuri
2018BorderBhojpuri
2019Nirahua Chalal LondonVishabhar SinghBhojpuri
2019–20??Dear JindagiNepaliTV series
2019Sher-E-HindustanBhojpuri
2022Prem Geet 3Nepali
2025MiraiTelugu

Awards

SN Award Title Film Name / Project Year Result / Reference
1Best Actor in a Negative Role (Nepal Motion Picture Award - NEMPA)Chino1998 (2055 BS)Won [16]
2Special Award—2012Won [17]
3Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Filmfare Awards)Mary Kom2015Nominated [18]
4Lifetime Achievement AwardOutstanding Contribution to Cinema2015Won [19]
5Achievement Award (Global Nepali Film Award)—2016Won [17]
6Special Award (Kamana Film Award)Sherbahadur2018 (2075 BS)Won [17]


References

  1. ↑ "Kurakani Shalabh Sanga (Sunil Thapa) - Episode 2 - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  2. ↑ "Biography of Sunil Thapa; An antagonist in reel life".
  3. ↑ "Most popular villain Sunil Thapa".
  4. ↑ "Actor Sunil Thapa making comeback with Sher Bahadur". Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  5. ↑ "'Mary Kom' actor Sunil Thapa passes away at the age of 68". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
  6. ↑ "'Mary Kom' actor Sunil Thapa passes away at the age of 68". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
  7. ↑ "Sunil Thapa, a towering presence in Nepali cinema, passes away". The Kathmandu Post. Retrieved 8 February 2026.
  8. ↑ "Everest Film Academy – Follow Your Passion". Everest Film Academy. 22 August 2022.
  9. ↑ "Sunil Thapa, 'Ratey Kaila' of Nepali Cinema, Dies". Desh Sanchar. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  10. 1 2 3 "Sunil Thapa, now remembered through the screen". Onlinekhabar. 8 February 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  11. ↑ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa, best known for Mary Kom, dies". WION via Facebook. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa passes away". The Kathmandu Post. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  13. ↑ "Sunil Thapa's body to undergo post-mortem". Ratopati. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  14. ↑ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa dies at 68". Khabarhub. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  15. ↑ "Veteran actor Sunil Thapa passes away". The Kathmandu Post. 7 February 2026. Retrieved 7 February 2026.
  16. ↑ "Sunil Thapa Awards". Lens Nepal. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  17. 1 2 3 Cite error: The named reference lens was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  18. ↑ "Sunil Thapa nominated for Filmfare Award". Glamour Nepal. January 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "Lifetime award for Thapa". The Himalayan Times. 17 August 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
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