Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa passes away at 68 in Kathmandu

Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, widely remembered for his role as Mary Kom’s coach in the acclaimed biopic, has passed away at the age of 68, leaving the film fraternity in mourning. He died on the morning of February 6 in Kathmandu after a sudden health complication while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital.

M Snehanjali

February 07, 2026 / 15:07 IST

Sunil Thapa dies at 68

Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa passed away at 68 in Kathmandu.
Thapa was known for his role as Mary Kom's coach and over 300 Nepali films.
He also chaired Everest Film Academy and played football professionally.

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Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, best known to Indian audiences for portraying Mary Kom’s coach in the acclaimed biopic, has passed away at the age of 68. The respected actor breathed his last on the morning of February 6 while undergoing treatment at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu, after a sudden deterioration in his health.

According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, Rajendra Bahadur Singh, the chairperson of the hospital, confirmed that Thapa was brought in unconscious. Doctors conducted an ECG at 7:44 am, which confirmed his death, with cardiac arrest suspected to be the cause.

“He was unconscious when he was brought in. An ECG was done immediately, which confirmed his death,” stated a hospital source quoted by the Post.

A towering presence in Nepali cinema, Sunil Thapa enjoyed a prolific career spanning several decades across Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri film industries. He featured in over 300 Nepali films and became a household name for his iconic portrayal of ‘Rate Kaila’ in Chino, a role that cemented his reputation as one of the most sought-after antagonists in Nepali cinema.

Before stepping into films, Thapa began his professional journey as a model in Mumbai during the mid-1970s, working with leading fabric brands of the time. He was also deeply involved in sports and played professional football for clubs in Bombay. In his early years, he worked as a photojournalist with JS Magazine (Junior Statesman) and notably covered the Bhutan Coronation in 1974.