Sunil Thapa, iconic Nepali actor and ‘Mary Kom’ star, dies at 68
Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, best known to Indian audiences for his role in ‘Mary Kom’, died on Sunday at the age of 68. The celebrated performer passed away at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu, after his health deteriorated early in the morning. Doctors are believed to be assessing cardiac arrest as the likely cause, with an ECG conducted at 7:55 a.m. A detailed medical bulletin is expected once his family, who reside in Mumbai, complete the required formalities.
Thapa, regarded as one of Nepali cinema’s most formidable on-screen antagonists, leaves behind a career spanning several decades and more than 300 films across Nepali, Hindi, Tamil, Bhojpuri and Telugu industries.
Early life and Bollywood debut
Born in Dang, Nepal, Thapa began his professional journey far from film. Before entering the screen world, he worked as a model, played professional football for clubs in Bombay, and spent time as a photojournalist for JS Magazine, covering the Bhutan coronation in 1974.
His acting career began in Bollywood with the 1981 romantic drama ‘Ek Duuje Ke Liye’. He went on to appear in films such as ‘Aaj Ki Awaaz’, ‘Manav Hatya’, ’Albela’, ‘Naseebwaala’ and ‘Bandhu’. These roles helped him build an early foundation in Indian cinema.
Rise to icon status in Nepali cinema
Thapa’s breakthrough came in 1989 with his portrayal of Ratey Kaila in the Nepali blockbuster ‘Chino’. The menacing, layered antagonist became one of the most enduring characters in Nepali film history, reshaping how villains were depicted on screen. For many Nepali audiences, Ratey Kaila became synonymous with an entire era of cinema.
Over the next several decades, he emerged as one of the most sought-after performers in the industry, appearing in acclaimed titles such as ‘Deuki’, ‘Prabhisha’, ‘Thuldai’, ‘Aago’, ‘Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni Badri’, ‘Yo Maya Ko Sagar’, ‘Jetho Kancho’, ‘Basanta Ritu’ and ‘Karma Yoddha’. Beyond acting, Thapa also contributed to the industry’s development as chairperson of the Everest Film Academy.
Work across languages and a Bollywood comeback
Thapa’s career crossed linguistic and regional boundaries, with notable work in Tamil, Bhojpuri and Telugu cinema. His performance as boxing coach M. Narjit Singh in ‘Mary Kom’ (2014) earned him renewed attention in India, along with a Filmfare nomination.
He later appeared in several Bhojpuri hits including ‘Sarkar Raj’, ‘Border’, ‘Nirahua Chalal London’ and ‘Sher-E-Hindustan’, and featured in the Telugu film ‘Mirai’ in 2025.
A presence on Nepali television
Alongside his film work, Thapa enjoyed a strong presence on television. From 2006 to 2017, he starred as Sher Singh Mama in the popular comedy series ‘Meri Bassai’, showcasing a comic warmth that contrasted with his fearsome film roles. Since 2019, he had been part of ‘Dear Jindagi’, further cementing his place in Nepali households.
Most recently, he appeared in ‘The Family Man 3’, playing David Khuju, a Nagaland leader central to the show’s peace initiative storyline.
Further information regarding his funeral and last rites is expected in the coming days.