The voice of ‘Rate Kaila’ echoes no more
Thapa breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali, hospital sources confirmed.
KATHMANDU: Veteran Nepali film actor Sunil Thapa, a towering figure of Nepal’s cinema best known for redefining villainous roles, passed away on Saturday morning.
He was 68.
Thapa breathed his last while undergoing treatment at Norvic International Hospital, Thapathali, hospital sources confirmed.
According to doctors, he was brought to the hospital in an unconscious condition after experiencing sudden health complications early in the morning.
An ECG conducted at 7:44 am confirmed that he had already passed away.
The preliminary cause of death has been identified as cardiac arrest.
Born in 1960 (BS 2017) in Dang, Sunil Thapa was among the rare actors who elevated negative characters to iconic status in Nepali cinema.
His acting journey began in 1981 with the Bollywood superhit film “Ek Duuje Ke Liye”, marking the start of a career that spanned nearly four decades. During this time, he acted in more than 100 Nepali, Hindi and Bhojpuri films.
Thapa rose to legendary status following his powerful portrayal of ‘Rate Kaila’ in the 1991 (BS 2048) Nepali film “Chino”.
The role left such a deep impression that audiences across generations continued to remember him by that name.
His imposing physique, deep and commanding voice, and intense screen presence turned him into an unmistakable brand of Nepali cinema.
Multifaceted and International Personality
Beyond acting, Sunil Thapa led a remarkably diverse life. He was also a former footballer, model and journalist.
During the 1970s, he was actively involved in modeling and football in Mumbai. He later worked as a photojournalist for JS Magazine and notably covered the coronation ceremony of the King of Bhutan in 1974 in the same capacity.
Making a strong return to Bollywood, Thapa appeared in the 2014 film “Mary Kom”, where he played the role of coach to Priyanka Chopra’s character. His performance earned him a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, further cementing his international recognition.
Some of his most memorable films include Desh, Dakshina, Balidan, Batomunikho Phool, Mukhauta, Captain, among many others. In recognition of his immense contribution to cinema, he was honored twice with the Motion Pictures Award and received the prestigious Festival of Globe Lifetime Achievement Award on the international stage.
Sunil Thapa’s demise marks the loss of a guardian figure and a source of inspiration for the Nepali film industry. He is survived by his wife Rajani Limbu Thapa and two children.
The thunderous presence of ‘Rate Kaila’ may have fallen silent forever, but the vivid characters Sunil Thapa brought to life will remain immortal in the history of Nepali cinema.
