Sunil Thapa

Thapa was widely known for his villainous and character roles, particularly in Nepali cinema, where he redefined the portrayal of antagonists. His most iconic role was as 'Rate Kaila' in the cult classic Chino (1989). Other notable Nepali films include Gorkha Paltan, Shikari, Papi Manche, Mukhauta, and Captain. He won several awards, including the Motion Pictures Award Nepal twice, and served as chairman of Everest Film Academy, mentoring emerging talent.

• Name — Sunil Thapa • Native Name — सुनील थापा • Born — 19 May 1957 • Birthplace — Dang, Nepal • Died — 7 February 2026 • Place of death — Kathmandu, Nepal • Other Names — Ratey Kaila Sher Singh/Dinesh Lamichhane • Occupation — Actor • Years Active — 1974–2025 • Spouse — Rajani Limbu (Thapa) • Children — 2

Sunil Thapa was born on 19 May 1957 in the Dang District of Nepal. In his youth, he moved to Mumbai (then Bombay), India, where he initially pursued diverse career paths outside of traditional acting. In 1974, he established himself as a prominent mainstream model, working for major Indian textile brands including Binny's and Mafatlal Fabrics. In addition to modeling, Thapa was a highly skilled athlete during his early adulthood, playing professional competitive football as a sportsman for elite Indian sports institutions including the ICL Club Bombay and the Orkay's Sports Club. He simultaneously entered print media journalism, working as a professional photojournalist for JS Magazine (Junior Statesman). In this capacity, he notably traveled to cover the official Coronation of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth King of Bhutan, in 1974. These experiences in modeling, athletics, and media photojournalism provided the foundation for his entry into commercial South Asian cinema, leading to his Bollywood acting debut in Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981).

Thapa died in Kathmandu on 7 February 2026, at the age of 68. He was found unconscious at his residence and rushed to Norvic Hospital, Thapathali, where doctors declared him dead. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that he had suffered a heart attack, which led to cardiac arrest. His death was widely mourned across the Nepali film industry, where he was regarded as one of the most influential character actors, particularly known for redefining antagonist roles in Nepali cinema.

• Year — Film — Role — Language — Notes • 1981 — Ek Duuje Ke Liye — Hindi • 1982 — Aaj Ki Awaaz — Hindi • 1982 — Mashaal — Nepali • 1986 — Manav Hatya — Police Constable Bajirao Kale — Hindi • 1989 — Chinoo — Rate Kaila — Nepali • 1989 — Manu The Great — Hindi • 1989 — Albela — Hindi • 1991 — Deuki — Nepali • 1992 — Naseebwaala — Hindi • 1992 — Bandhu — Inspector — Hindi / Bengali • 1994 — Prabhisha — Nepali • 1999 — Thuldai — Nepali • 2000 — Aago — Nepali • 2000 — Tan Ta Sarai Bigris Ni Badri — Nepali • 2000 — Yo Maya Ko Sagar — Pitambar — Nepali • 2003 — Jetho Kancho — Birkhe Saau — Nepali • 2004 — Basanta Ritu — Ranveer Singh — Nepali • 2005 — Karma Yoodha — Dharanidhar — Nepali • 2006–2017 — Meri Bassai — Sher Singh Mama — Nepali — TV series • 2007 — Raghubir — Birat — Nepali • 2008 — Kanoon — Mantri Satya Prakash — Nepali • 2009 — God Lives in the Himalayas — Nepali • 2014 — Mary Kom — M. Narjit Singh — Hindi • 2015 — 10 Endrathukulla — Lawyer — Tamil • 2017 — Sarkar Raj — Bhojpuri • 2018 — Border — Bhojpuri • 2019 — Nirahua Chalal London — Vishabhar Singh — Bhojpuri • 2019–20?? — Dear Jindagi — Nepali — TV series • 2019 — Sher-E-Hindustan — Bhojpuri • 2022 — Prem Geet 3 — Nepali • 2025 — Mirai — Telugu