The film industry in India and Nepal is in deep shock after the tragic Sunil Thapa death. The veteran Nepali actor, best known in India for playing coach Narjit Singh in Priyanka Chopra’s Mary Kom (2014), has passed away at the age of 68. Sunil Thapa passes away in Kathmandu on Friday morning, leaving behind a powerful legacy that stretches across decades and borders.
According to The Kathmandu Post, the actor suffered a suspected heart attack and was rushed to Norvic Hospital in Thapathali. Unfortunately, doctors could not save him. His sudden demise has left fans, filmmakers, and fellow actors heartbroken.
Sunil Thapa Passes Away After Sudden Health Crisis
As per hospital sources, Sunil Thapa was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state early Friday morning. Doctors immediately conducted an ECG at around 7:44 a.m., which sadly confirmed his death.
“He was unconscious when he was brought in. An ECG was done immediately, which confirmed his death,” a hospital official told The Kathmandu Post. At present, doctors suspect cardiac arrest as the cause of death. However, an official medical report is still awaited. Meanwhile, the Sunil Thapa death has come as a major shock, especially because there were no prior reports of serious health issues.
A Legendary Name in Nepali Cinema
Over the years, Sunil Thapa became one of the most respected faces of Nepali cinema. Born in Dang, Nepal, he enjoyed a long and successful career of more than 40 years. During this time, he acted in over 300 Nepali films, making him a true legend in the industry.
Most notably, he became extremely popular for his role as Rate Kaila in the 1991 film Chino. The character turned iconic and is still remembered as one of the strongest villain roles in Nepali film history. Gradually, Thapa also moved into mentor and authority roles, showing his range as an actor.
From Bollywood Beginnings to ‘Mary Kom’ Fame
Interestingly, Sunil Thapa’s journey began in Mumbai. In the mid-1970s, he worked as a model before entering films. He made his acting debut in the Hindi movie Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981). However, it was much later that he gained massive recognition in India. In 2014, he played coach Narjit Singh in Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra. His calm and powerful performance earned him appreciation from Indian audiences and critics alike. Even today, many fans remember him mainly as the coach from Mary Kom.
Recent Work in ‘The Family Man Season 3′
Even in his later years, Sunil Thapa remained active in the entertainment world. Recently, he appeared in The Family Man Season 3, where he played David Khuzou, a respected leader and MCA chief in Nagaland. Although his role was brief, it once again proved his strong screen presence. As a result, the news of the Sunil Thapa death has deeply affected viewers who had recently seen him on screen.
Beyond Acting: A Mentor and Guide
Apart from acting, Sunil Thapa also worked to support young talent. He served as the chairperson of the Everest Film Academy, where he helped train and guide future filmmakers and actors. In addition, he received several awards during his career, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal, which he won twice. People in the industry admired him not just for his talent, but also for his discipline and dedication.
Sunil Thapa’s Legacy Will Live On
Although Sunil Thapa passes away, his work and influence will continue to live on. From powerful villain roles to inspiring mentor characters, he left a lasting mark on cinema in Nepal and India.
As tributes continue to pour in, the Sunil Thapa death reminds everyone of the huge loss the film world has suffered. His journey, contribution, and unforgettable performances will always be remembered by fans across generations.
