KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 7, 2026 – The Nepali film industry is in deep mourning following the passing of veteran actor Sunil Thapa, widely regarded as one of the greatest antagonists in the history of Himalayan cinema. Thapa passed away early Saturday morning, February 7, 2026, at Norvic International Hospital in Kathmandu. He was 68 years old.
According to hospital reports, the actor was rushed to the emergency ward in an unconscious state after his health suddenly deteriorated at his residence. Doctors at Norvic performed an emergency ECG at 7:44 AM, which confirmed he had no cardiac activity. Rajendra Bahadur Singh, chairperson of the hospital, stated that the preliminary cause of death appears to be a sudden cardiac arrest.
The Legacy of ‘Rate Kaila’ Sunil Thapa’s career spanned over four decades, during which he became a household name across Nepal and India. He was best known for his legendary portrayal of “Rate Kaila” in the blockbuster film Chino (1989), a role that redefined the “villain” archetype in Nepali movies. His menacing screen presence, iconic dialogue delivery, and versatile acting made him an irreplaceable figure in the industry.
Early Career: Before entering the film world, Thapa was a successful model in Mumbai in the mid-1970s and a professional football player for clubs like ICL Club Bombay.
Bollywood Success: He made his debut in the 1981 Bollywood classic Ek Duuje Ke Liye. In 2014, he gained international acclaim for his role as the strict boxing coach M. Narjit Singh in the Priyanka Chopra-starrer Mary Kom, earning a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Contributions: Thapa appeared in over 300 Nepali, Hindi, and Bhojpuri films. At the time of his passing, he was also serving as the Chairman of the Everest Film Academy, where he dedicated his time to mentoring the next generation of Nepali actors.
A Nation in Mourning As news of his death spread, tributes began pouring in from the film fraternity, political leaders, and fans across the globe. Prime Minister Sushila Karki expressed her condolences, calling Thapa a “towering pillar of Nepali art and culture whose absence will be felt for generations.” Prominent actors and directors have gathered at Norvic Hospital to pay their final respects.
Thapa is survived by his wife, Rajani Limbu, and two children, Anmol and Precious. While his family members reside in Mumbai, Thapa had been living in Kathmandu to continue his work in the local film industry. His family is expected to arrive in Kathmandu today, and the final rites are tentatively scheduled for Sunday at Pashupati Aryaghat.