Kathmandu: Nepal dialect Veteran actor Sunil Thapa was bid farewell on Sunday. Who gave a new look to villainy in Nepali cinema and is considered the greatest villain of all time.
The actor, who started his career in Bollywood and later made significant contributions to Nepali cinema, died in Kathmandu on Saturday morning. The actor was 68 years old.
On Sunday, hundreds of his co-actors, as well as people who worked with him, lined up at the Film Development Board to have their last glimpse of him. Members of the film fraternity were also seen on this occasion. Pashupatinath Crematorium Where Thapa was given a final farewell on Sunday afternoon.
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Also read: Mary Kom actor Sunil Thapa passes away in Kathmandu at the age of 68
Two current Nepali ministers reached the cremation ground next to the holy site Below the Bagmati River and Pashupatinath Temple, Where they wrapped Thapa’s body with the national flag.
The post-mortem was conducted in the morning at the request of the family. At Pashupatinath, his son Anmol performed the rituals along with Thapa’s wife Rajni Limbu and their daughter. Except Thapa, the rest of his family members live in Mumbai, India.
Thapa was actively involved in both Nepali and Indian cinema for decades, and his untimely death has shocked the entire Nepali art and film fraternity. He is widely respected for bringing depth, identity and dignity to antagonist roles in Nepali films, earning him praise compared to lead actors.
He was particularly popular for his iconic role as ‘Rhett Kaila’, who became one of the most memorable villains in Nepali cinema. Through her strong screen presence and distinctive acting style, Thapa carved a unique niche for herself in the film industry.
Thapa’s career was not limited to Nepal only. Apart from her work in Nepali cinema, she earned recognition in Indian films and television series, where her performances won her the hearts of audiences across the border.
Born on 19 May 1957, Thapa contributed to various aspects of acting, modelling, sports and film industry. She started her professional career as a model, working in Mumbai for major brands including Binny’s and Mafatalals in the 1970s. In those early years, he also played competitive football, representing ICL clubs Bombay and Orke Sports Club.
While modeling, she worked as a photojournalist for the Junior Statesman magazine and covered Bhutan’s 1974 coronation ceremony.
He made his Bollywood debut in 1981 with the Hindi film ‘Made for each other,’ A huge commercial success which introduced him to the Indian audience. He later returned to Nepal and rose to prominence With the release of Chino, A historic Nepali film that has secured its place in the country’s cinematic history.
It was Chino who turned him into a household name. His portrayal of the antagonist “Rete Calla” was both unsettling and magnetic, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. The character became so iconic that Thapa was often recognized by the character’s name rather than his name.
Although he became synonymous with villainous roles, Thapa resisted being typecast. He portrayed the protagonists not as exaggerated personifications of evil, but as intelligent, psychologically complex individuals shaped by power, pride, and circumstance. His performance gave credibility and depth to the villains, changing the way conflict was portrayed in Nepali cinema.
In 2014, he appeared as a boxing coach in the Bollywood film Mary Kom starring Priyanka Chopra. This role earned him a Filmfare Award nomination and established his reputation in Indian cinema.
Taking to my Instagram, Priyanka Chopra remembered her time With late actor Sunil Thapa during the shooting of Mary Kom, where Thapa played the role of Priyanka’s coach.
she wrote, “You will always be my coach, sir. You kept me company when I lost my father. You loved me and helped me through many difficult days without even realizing it. Your warm embrace and your laughter will always be a part of my memories. Gone too short but never forgotten. Thank you for your kindness at a time when I was heartbroken. May your soul rest in peace, Sunil Thapa. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones.”
Over several decades, Nepali cinema’s evergreen villain, “Rhett Kaila”, has appeared in over 138 Nepali films, beginning with Masal in 1985. His most recent release was Eklo, while Ram Naam Satya remains his last completed film. Another film, Pahad, directed by Tulsi Ghimire, is awaiting release.
Thapa died during treatment at Norvik Hospital in Kathmandu. According to the hospital, he was brought unconscious and after ECG, doctors confirmed his death.