New Delhi: Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, widely remembered for his role as Mary Kom’s coach in the biopic Mary Kom and for his performance in Ratey Kaila, has passed away at the age of 68. According to reports, the actor died on February 7, 2026, at Norvic Hospital in Thapathali, Kathmandu, after his health deteriorated suddenly. Doctors suspect cardiac arrest as the cause of death, although an official medical report is still awaited.
Who was Sunil Thapa?
Born in Dang, Nepal, Sunil Thapa had a prolific career spanning Nepali, Bollywood, Bhojpuri and Telugu cinema. He made his Bollywood debut in 1981 with Ek Duuje Ke Liye alongside Kamal Haasan. He later appeared in Hindi films such as Aaj Ki Awaaz (1982) and Manav Hatya (1986), where he portrayed police constable Bajirao Kale.
His other notable Hindi films include Manu The Great, Albela, Naseebwaala and Bandhu, in which he played an inspector.
Thapa gained widespread recognition in India for portraying M. Narjit Singh, Mary Kom’s coach, in the 2014 biopic Mary Kom. His performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the Filmfare Awards the same year.
In Nepali cinema, Sunil Thapa worked in over 300 films, playing both heroic and villainous roles. His versatility made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
He also appeared in several Bhojpuri films including Sarkar Raj, Border, Nirahua Chalal London and Sher-E-Hindustan, and featured in the Telugu film Mirai in 2025.
Beyond films, Thapa left a strong mark on television. From 2006 to 2017, he played the beloved character Sher Singh Mama in the popular Nepali TV series Meri Bassai, showcasing his comic timing and warmth. Since 2019, he had been appearing in another television series, Dear Jindagi.
Apart from acting, Sunil Thapa served as the chairman of Everest Film Academy, contributing significantly to nurturing young talent in Nepal’s film industry.
Before entering films, he worked as a photojournalist and famously covered the Bhutan Coronation in 1974. He was also passionate about sports and played professional football for ICL Club Bombay and Orkay’s Sports Club.
Sunil Thapa’s passing marks the end of an era for Nepali cinema. Tributes have poured in from across the film fraternity, remembering him not only for his powerful screen presence but also for his warmth, discipline and dedication to the craft.