Sunil Thapa

Sunil Thapa (; 19 May 1957 – 7 February 2026) was a Nepalese actor who appeared in Nepali, Bollywood and Bhojpuri films. He began his career with the Bollywood film Ek Duuje Ke Liye. He later appeared in notable productions including Mary Kom, in which he played boxing coach Narjit Singh, and the web series The Family Man 3.

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. He won several awards, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal twice, and served as chairman of Everest Film Academy, mentoring emerging talent.

Early life and career foundations Sunil Thapa was born on 19 May 1957 in the Dang District of Nepal. 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. 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). He was found unconscious at his residence and rushed to Norvic Hospital, Thapathali, where doctors declared him dead. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack, which led to cardiac arrest.

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.

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 Chinoo 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

Awards SN Award Title Film Name / Project Year Result / Reference 1 Best Actor in a Negative Role (Nepal Motion Picture Award - NEMPA) Chino 1998 (2055 BS) 2 Special Award — 2012 4 Lifetime Achievement Award Outstanding Contribution to Cinema 2015 5 Achievement Award (Global Nepali Film Award) — 2016 6 Special Award (Kamana Film Award) Sherbahadur 2018 (2075 BS)