Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Thapa, best known for his iconic roles in Nepali cinema and his performance in the Bollywood biopic Mary Kom, passed away on February 7 at the age of 68. His death has prompted tributes from fans, political leaders, and celebrities across South Asia, including actress Priyanka Chopra, who worked closely with him during the filming of Mary Kom.
Priyanka Chopra, who played Olympic boxing champion Mary Kom in the 2014 biopic, shared a heartfelt tribute to Sunil Thapa on social media. She posted a montage of scenes from the film in which Thapa played her coach, a mentor figure who guided and supported her character through intense training and personal struggles.
In her emotional caption, Priyanka wrote, “You will always be my Coach Sir. You kept me together when I had just lost my dad. You loved me and helped me through many tough days without even realizing. Your warm hugs and your laugh will always be part of my memories.”
She further added, “Gone too young but never forgotten. Thank you for your kindness at a time that I was broken. Rest in peace Sunil Thapa. My condolences and prayers are with the family and loved ones.”
Priyanka’s father, Ashok Chopra, passed away on June 10, 2013, after a prolonged battle with cancer. She was filming Mary Kom during that period, and Sunil Thapa’s support reportedly helped her cope with the emotional turmoil. The film chronicles the inspiring life and career of Indian boxing legend Mary Kom and became a major milestone in Priyanka’s acting career.
Born in Dang, Nepal, Sunil Thapa had a prolific career spanning decades, appearing in more than 300 Nepali films. He was widely celebrated for his iconic portrayal of ‘Rate Kaila’ in the film Chino, a role that left a lasting impact on Nepali cinema. More recently, he was seen in The Family Man Season 3 as David Khuzou, a respected leader and MCA chief in Nagaland. He also played a key supporting role in the fantasy superhero action-adventure film Mirai, starring Teja Sajja.
Thapa’s death has been widely mourned. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his condolences on Facebook, writing that the veteran actor’s powerful performances, especially as Rate Kaila, left an indelible mark on Nepali cinema and would continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Sunil Thapa’s legacy as a versatile performer and cultural icon in Nepali cinema is expected to endure through his vast body of work and the countless artists he influenced throughout his career.